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/ 
 
 REPORT 
 
 PRESENTED TO THE 
 
 COLONIAL COMMITTEE OF THE 'TtEE CIIUilCII OF SCOTLAND, 
 
 ON 
 
 CANADA AND NOVA SCOTIA. 
 
 BY THE 
 
 r.EV. Dll. BUE.NS, 
 
 PAISLEY, 
 
 ONE OF THE DEPUTIES OF THE FREE CHURCH TO AMERICA, 
 
 (ORDERED TO BE PRINTED, JULY 9, 1844.) 
 
 PAISLEY: 
 
 PRINTED BY ALEX. GARDNER, 
 
 FOR THE COLONIAL COMMITTEE. 
 
 1844 
 
f 
 
REPORT. 
 
 1 
 
 A VISIT to Canada on the part of the Deputies of the Free 
 Church, was earnestly besought by many ardent friends in 
 that country, so soon as it was known that Dr. Cunningham 
 had arrived in the States. The Rev. Mr. Smart of Brock- 
 ville, and the Rev. Mr. Boyd of Prescott, had previously 
 joined the Church, along with their Congregations; and to 
 them, the prospect of a visit was peculiarly gratifying. The 
 Congregation at Cobourg also, with their much-esteemed 
 pastor, the Rev. Thomas Alexander, had already manifested 
 their attachment to our cause, by a handsome donation to the 
 Building Fund; and they now followed this up by an affec- 
 tionate invitation to Dr. Cunningham to pay them a visit. 
 At Montreal, a movement of a very important kind had been 
 made, in favour of the principles of the Free Church. An 
 intelligent and active Committee had been formed, for the 
 purpose of circulating information, and adopting measures 
 for setting up the standard of the Free Church, in that great 
 and rising city. Several excellent tracts had been printed 
 by them, and extensively circulated. A most cordial invita- 
 tion was sent by them to the Deputies, and this was accom- 
 panied with similar expressions of warm attachment, on the 
 part of the ministers and office-bearers of nearly all the Pro- 
 
 — jsir* m tiie cii^-. \yi tiic ocuis 1 resDy- 
 
 terian ministers in connexion with the Church of Scotland, 
 
three in number, one, the Rev. Henry Esson, minister of 
 the oldest Congregation, cheerfully went along with the 
 friends of the Free Church in Montreal, and aided this ap- 
 plication, by a very pressing letter from himself. He has 
 ever since manifested the warmest interest in our cause. 
 
 My entrance into Canada was on the 7th of April, by the 
 city of Buffalo, and the Falls of Niagara. The Rev. Mr. 
 Macgill of Niagara city, had shewn his good-will to the Dep- 
 utation by coming to Buffalo, a distance of 40 miles, to wel- 
 come me into the province. Unfortunately the movements 
 of the Railway train on the great western line from Albany, 
 turned out, contrary to expectation, to be such as precluded 
 the possibility of my being forward at Buffalo, as I had ex- 
 pected, on the morning of Tuesday, in time for the Niagara 
 Railway train; and thus I was deprived of the pleasure of 
 meeting Mr. Macgill there, he having left it at nine o'clock 
 of the morning of that day, in hopes that I might have found 
 my way to Niagara by another route. I got to Buffalo by 
 two o'clock of the same day on which he left it, but found no 
 conveyance farther; and the distance, and the state of the 
 roads, rendered any other mode of conveyance than the Rail- 
 way, altogether impracticable. I was thus reluctantly com- 
 pelled to stay all the rest of the day at Buffalo, receiving 
 much kindness from the Presbyterian ministers of the place, 
 and preaching in the evening in one of their Churches. 
 
 According to the arrangeifient previously announced, 1 
 ought to have been preaching at Niagara on the evening of 
 Tuesday, in place of Buffalo ; and thus the friends of our 
 cause in that place have, as yet, had no opportunity given 
 them of testifying their response to our appeal, — a response 
 which I had reason to know afterwards, would have been a 
 very effective one. But my determination not to break in 
 upon the announced arrangements for other places, put it out 
 of my power to make up for an omission, which, although 
 occasioned by circumstances which I could not control, was 
 to me matter of deep regret. 
 
 f 
 
 f 
 
 4 
 
 (I 
 
 ¥ 
 
f 
 
 In connexion with that part of Canada which lies between 
 Ontario on the West, and the upper end of Lake Erie, I 
 may state, that some years ago, when rebellion broke out in 
 Canada, seven American Presbyterian churches, situated in 
 that part of the Province, were broken up, and their pastors 
 and members dispersed, chiefly in the States. Since the re- 
 storation of peace, these churches have been re-organized ; 
 and accustomed as their members had for a long time been 
 to the advantages enjoyed under the British sway, they have 
 resolved, in place of connecting themselves with a Synod or 
 Presbytery in the States, rather to open a correspondence 
 with the Free Protesting Church of Scotland. This they 
 have done th'-ough the medium of one of the ministers of 
 the Synod of Canada, who has lately joined the Free Church. 
 I have made some inquiries regarding these Presbyterians; 
 but as I had not been made aware of their existence till after 
 I had left the Western district of Canada, it is not in my 
 power to report on them with any certainty. The subject, 
 however, deserves the notice of the Colonial Committee of 
 the Assembly. The visit of the Deputies to the United 
 States may be expected to issue in a closer fellowship with 
 the American Churches, and the remark will apply still more 
 strongly in the case of evangelical Churches in British and 
 North America. 
 
 On my arrival at Niagara on the afternoon of Wednesday, 
 I found the Rev. Messrs. Gale of Hamilton, and Macgill 
 of Niagara, waiting the arrival of the Steamer, on her 
 way to Toronto. They came on board, and accompanied 
 me to Toronto, a distance of 50 miles, across the Lake On- 
 tario. In that city, I was received vith great courtesy and 
 kindness, by many friends who were waiting my arrival. A 
 meeting was immediately held in St. Andrew's Church, and 
 after an address on the subject of the mission, arrangements 
 were made for a public meeting in the same place on Friday ; 
 another on Saturday, in one of the Methodist Churches ; and 
 three services in so many Churches of the city, on Sabbath. 
 
6 
 
 I 
 
 All these plans were punctually followed out. The attend- 
 ance on all these occasions was most encouraging; and 
 handsome collections, as well as donations, were received. 
 Thursday had been arranged for Hamilton, a very thriving 
 town at the head of the Lake, and beautifully situated on 
 Burlington Bay. On our way thither, the vessel stopped 
 to take in passengers at the mouth of the River Credit ; and 
 there, the address from the Christian Indians of the village 
 adjoining, along with the donation which accompanied it, 
 were put into my hands by a Chief, who is brother of Peter 
 Jones, the well-known pastor of that interesting Congrega- 
 tion of native Christians. It was the first token of sympathy 
 that had been presented in Canada, and the original address 
 is now laid upon the table of the Assembly's Committee.* 
 
 At Hamilton, we had two large and effective meetino-s ; 
 one at 3 o'clock, specially for those friends who had come from 
 some distance, and who required to return home in the af- 
 ter part of the day ; and another at 7 in the even'.ng, for the 
 ordinary residents. At the former of these, the chair was 
 taken by the Honourable James Crooks, a highly respecta- 
 ble office-bearer of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the 
 members of Her Majesty's Council. In the evening, the 
 Honourable Adam Ferguson of Woodhill, so well known to 
 our friends in Edinburgh, and so justly esteemed by all who 
 know him, acted as chairman ; and on both these occasions, 
 the duties were discharged in the most satisfactory manner. 
 One of the most interesting features of the earlier meeting, was 
 the presentation by deputies, in regular succession, of affec- 
 tionate congratulatory addresses from the Presbyterian con- 
 gregations of Woodstock, Hamilton, Gait, Guelph, Dundas, 
 and London, and from the Methodist, and Baptist, and In- 
 dependent congregations of Hamilton and Brentford. These 
 addresses, in every instance, breathed the spirit of decided 
 
 1 
 
 * See Apjiendix, 
 
sympathy with our principles, and they were generally ac- 
 companied with donations to the fund. I shall not soon for- 
 get the kindness of our friends at Hamilton, among whom, 
 in addition to all the ministers, I may notice the names of 
 Mr. Kerr of Paisley, and of Mr. Campbell, the son-in-law 
 of the late lamented Dr. Andrew Thomson, who holds a sit- 
 uation there in the Crown Land office. I may also mention, 
 that in all my engagements both at Toronto and at Hamilton, 
 I was ably assisted by the Rev. William Rintoul of Streets- 
 ville, who, with his congregation, have since declared their 
 cordial adherence to the Free Church. At Toronto, as at 
 Hamilton, addresses were presented in name of the Congre- 
 gational Union in Canada West, and other bodies. These 
 documents are all before the Committee.* Since my visit 
 to Toronto, a meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew's 
 Church has been held, when fourteen resolutions were adopt- 
 ed by a very large majority of the members, to the effect of 
 a separation from all official connexion with the Established 
 Church of Scotland, and an undisguised adoption of the 
 leading principles of the Free Church. This important meas- 
 ure may, in all probability, be followed by the erection of a 
 second place of worship, and the call of a minister of 
 the Free Protesting Church. I would earnestly press on 
 the Committee, the importance of Toronto as one of the 
 seats of the Free Church in Canada. Though no longer 
 the capital of the Upper Province, it is a place of great and 
 growing wealth and population. The country north and 
 west of it presents a vast field of excellent soil and of exhaust- 
 less resources, and it is gradually filling up with settlers. In 
 Toronto, the cause of Presbyterianism has been much weak- 
 ened by the ineffective ministrations of the former incumbent of 
 St. Andrew's Church, who has lately joined the Episcopal 
 Communion, and is settled at Montreal. Under a pastor whom 
 they could esteem, and around whom they could rally, the 
 
 * See Appendix. 
 
8 
 
 number of sound-hearted Presbyterians would be found to be 
 very large. They are at present scattered as sheep without 
 a shepherd. Toronto is a city of 20,000 inhabitants, and 
 from their comparative position, in point of wealth and 
 numbers, the Presbyterians ought to be at the head of the 
 religious community. This remark, indeed, will apply to 
 most of the provinces of British North America. How strik- 
 ing the contrast between what is and what oiiffht to he f I 
 have no fears regarding the establishment of a flourishing 
 branch of the Church in this central place, provided a suit- 
 able pastor is immediately sent out. 
 
 From the flourishing town of Whithy^ a pressing invita- 
 tion was sent by the minister in name of the congregation ; and 
 it was matter of regret that want of time and previous ar- 
 rangements put it out of my power to listen to overtures from 
 that place, for a visit. I would strongly recommend this town 
 of Whitby to the notice of any of the deputies of the Free 
 Church, who may be commissioned this season or che next, 
 to occupy the ground wliich has not yet been visited. 
 
 Cohourg^ half- way to Kingston on the Lake Ontario, may 
 be considered the head quarters of Free Church principles in 
 Canada West. It is a stirring little town, the capital of the 
 district, and the seat of the Courts. The land adjoining, 
 and for a long way west, is exceedingly favourable to the 
 growth of wheat ; and the port of Cobourg is the chief em- 
 porium for the export of flour to this country. The Rev. 
 Thomas Alexander of Co^jourg is one of our warmest adher- 
 ents, and in all the district of Cobourg, I do not think we have 
 a single opponent. We had four meetings in this place dur- 
 ing the three days of my stay amongst these most interest- 
 ing frier ds; and the contributions of Cobourg and its vicin- 
 ity are large, while they were bestowed with the most hearty 
 good-will to the great cause in which the Free Church is em- 
 barked. Here the Rev. Mr. Rogers of Peterbouugti came 
 to meet me a distance of thirty miles, bringing a handsome 
 contribution from his people to the Building Fund, and to 
 
 l.i 
 
ii 
 
 9 
 
 two of the Missionary Schemes of the Church. Here also, 1 
 was met in the same way by the Rev. Mr. Reld of Grafton, 
 the Rev. Mr. Douglas of South Cavan, and the Rev. Mr. 
 Jennings of the United Secession Church. Dr. Ryerson, pre- 
 sident of Victoria College, also testified his hearty good-will, 
 and gave me an opportunity of addressing the students in the 
 handsome seminary over which he pesides; and they pre- 
 sented me with £5 to the fund. The young people too, 
 forming the Sabbath School in connection with Mr. Alex- 
 ander's congregation, presented an address, accompanied with 
 a donation of £3 lOs. 
 
 The congregation of Cobourg have, since my visit, held a 
 meeting to declare still more palpably their preference of the 
 Free Church, and their determination to adhere to it. T'le 
 prospects of the congregation are, in a worldly view, exceed- 
 ingly good. A letter just received from Mr. Alexander will 
 be read to the Committee, and it will give them unfeigned 
 satisfaction. In my visit to Cobourg, I was accompanied by 
 several friends from Toronto, and by the Rev. Ano-us 
 M'Intoshof Thorold, Canada West. 
 
 My next place of visitation was Kingston, at the eastern 
 terminus of the Lake; a place which, although no longer the 
 capital of United Canada, must ever possess importance both 
 as a military station and from its relative position for purposes 
 of trade. Here, a bar was thrown in my way by the resolution 
 of the trustees of the Scots Church, with the approbation of 
 the minister and his associates, the Principal and Professors in 
 Queen's College, to exclude me from the Church, except on 
 a condition with which I could not consistently comply, 
 namely, a pledge not to touch on the points in controversy 
 betwixt the Establishment and the P>ee Church. Although 
 this resolution was to me very painful, it had the eiFect of 
 bringing out only the more effectively, the zealous co-operation 
 of the ministers of other evangelical denominations; and the 
 kind nffprs nf thmr nnlnit.s bv Messrs. Rvprsnn and I^ipl^Q^r 
 
 of the two Methodist connexions were very gratifying. An- 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 other result of the opposition to our cause in Kings- 
 ton has been, the resolution to commence immediately the 
 erection of a new Church in that city, on the principles of 
 the Free Church as held in common by us and our %rethren 
 in Engfland and in Ireland. We had five meetings in this 
 city, and as many collections. The attendance on these 
 meetings was beyond any thing that had ever been witnessed 
 in the place before, and the friends of our cause there are 
 numerous, united, and persevering. 
 
 In the visit to Kingston, I was accompanied and assisted 
 by the Rev. Mr. Gordon of Gananoque, and the Rev. Thos. 
 Alexander of Cobourg. They parted with me after our pro- 
 ceedings at Kingston were closed, and the greetings of ilicse 
 and other excellent f iends at separation, can never fade from 
 my remembrance. Among these friends I cannot but count 
 Sergeant Major Henderson, of the 93d Highlanders, whose 
 letter I will have much pleasure in laying before the Com- 
 mittee, and who, on taking leave on board the Steamer at 
 Kingston, put into my hands three crown pieces, as a small 
 donation from himself, to the Library of the Free Church. 
 This fine body of men, the 93d Highlanders, have since left 
 Kingston, and are located in Montreal. While in Toronto, 
 they regularly attended St. Andrew's Church in the after- 
 noon. On the Sabbath, when the deputy from the Free 
 Church preached there in the forenoon, they craved liberty 
 of the commanding officer to attend on that diet, but this 
 small favour was refused. 
 
 Having sailed in the Steamer, and, as on Lake Ontario, 
 "free," through that magnificent and lovely part of the St. 
 Lawrence, commonly known by the name of " The Lake of 
 the 1000 Islands," I reached Brockville. It is simply a vil- 
 lage, but it possesses considerable wealth, and a number of 
 rich stores. The principal proprietors are Messrs. Morris, 
 who have been long known as the steady patrons of the 
 Established Church, and I was sorry to find, had seen as yet 
 no cause to change their position. Here, notwithstanding 
 
11 
 
 the small population, there are two Presbyterian Churches, 
 both till lately in connexion with the Synod. The worthy 
 minister of the oldest of these Churches, the Rev. William 
 Smart, has, within these few months, given in his resignation 
 as a member of the Synod, and is in connection with the 
 Free Church. We had an excellent meeting in his place of 
 worship, presided over very ably, by the Sheriff of the 
 district, and attended by a numerous body, partly from the 
 town itself, and partly from the neighbourhood, which is 
 pretty well settled. Mr. Smart has long laboured in this 
 township, as a faithful minister of Christ; and he has, in 
 common with some others of the members of Synod, enjoyed 
 a share of the Clergy reserves, as did Mr. Boyd his neigh- 
 bour. An order has, I understand, been issued, to stop any 
 farther payments, and thus these worthy men, simply be-- 
 cause of their adherence to the Free Church, have been de- 
 prived of that portion of the public fund, which, in fact, they 
 had enjoyed long before their connexion with the Church of 
 Scotland had commenced. I failed not to represent, in the 
 proper quarter, the hardship of their case, and its unreasona- 
 bleness; and had we only lay influence to contend with, I 
 would not at all be afraid of a favourable issue, 
 
 Mr. Boyd of Prescott having come to meet me at Brock- 
 ville, we came together in a car to Prescott, 12 miles below. 
 Prescott is a neat little town, where a great deal of business 
 is done; and as the country to the back of it is excellent, and 
 already most respectably peopled, its importance in every 
 way may be expected to increase rapidly. At the distance 
 of 3 miles, we were met by a cavalcade of about fifty horse- 
 men, and others, in carriages of different descriptions, who 
 welcomed me to Prescott, and conducted us to the place of 
 assembly in the open air, where a very suitable address was 
 read to me, expressive of warm attachment to the principles 
 of the Free Church, and a determinaf.inn in nhidf> \\\t tKom 
 This, and all th«3 other documents relative to the mission, are 
 in possession of the Committee. A public meeting was 
 
i i 
 
 12 
 
 thereafter held, at which Mr. Crane, the Member of Parlia- 
 ment for the Township, presided, and though an Episcopalian, 
 declared his decided attachment to the Free Church of Scot- 
 land. Deputations appeared with addresses, from not less 
 than seven different Churches, at greater or less distance from 
 Prescott, and all at present under the inspection of Mr. Boyd. 
 A subscription had been going on in this place and vicinity,' 
 prior CO my visit, and including the collection at the meeting 
 it amounted to more than £90. In the afternoon, we crossed 
 over to Ogdensburgh, a flourishing town in the State of New 
 York, where we assembled in the Presbyterian Church, de- 
 livered a discourse, and took up a collection of 35 dollar's. 
 
 I would specially recommend to the attention of the Com- 
 mittee, the cases of Brockville and Prescott, where the de- 
 mand for additional labourers is peculiarly great. The ex- 
 cellent men who are labouring at these places, Messrs. Smart 
 and Boyd, must inevitably sink under their heavy load, un- 
 less speedily relieved by the accession of at least two fellow- 
 labourers. Here, as in some other places, the itinerant or 
 alternate plan must be adopted as the best; and a little help 
 from the friends at home in the meantime, may lead very soon 
 to the independence of these stations, as to support; whereas 
 the neglect of them would issue in consequences most calam- 
 itous. Nowhere did I meet with more hearty and unequiv- 
 ocal symptoms of good-will to the cause, than from the 
 healthy, intelligent, and truly Scottish yeomen of Prescott 
 and its vicinity. 
 
 On the following day, after partaking, as usual at all the 
 places, of a substantia^ public breakfast, (at the comfortable 
 Hotel of Mr. Lambert, from the Parish of Neilston, and a 
 warm friend to the Free Church,) I left for Cornwall. On 
 my way down the rapids of the St. Lawrence, I passed the 
 beautiful Island where Mr. Croil of Glasgow, the proprietor, 
 resides in truly patriarchal style, the father and the friend 
 ot a thriving colony of tenants, whose interests and his are 
 identified. I regretted that it was out of my power to pay 
 
13 
 
 
 my respects to this Christian gentleman, as the vessel did 
 not stop till it reached Osnabruck, a German settlement, 
 where we disembarked by reason of the rapids, and came by 
 coach 12 miles, to Cornwall, where the Rev. Hugh Urquhart, 
 was eagerly waiting my arrival. We had a respectable turn 
 out of people at Sermon, and collected £17 17s. After stay- 
 ing a night in the hospitable house of Mr. Urquhart, I was 
 conveyed in safety along with him to Lancaster, in a Cana- 
 dian car, by one of the worthy elders, a thriving farmer on 
 the Indian lands belonging to the native residenters at St. 
 Regis, on the opposite side of the River St. Lawrence, and 
 very near the termination of the boundary line, which sepa- 
 rates that part of the United States, from the British posses- 
 sions. We reached Lancaster after a very lengthened ride, 
 through some of the finest parts of the district of Glengary, and 
 found a considerable congregation assembled from the district, 
 eager to hear a minister of their native Church. I preached, 
 and afterwards explained the principles of the Free Church to a 
 very interesting audience, in a wooden Church, the first that 
 was erected in the province, and which a very small sum of 
 money would have easily made not only respectable in ap- 
 pearance, but complete in the interior. There was no col- 
 lection; but Mr. M'Pherson the minister, promised to obtain 
 a private subscription for us. One elderly Highlander who, 
 with his wife, had rode 40 miles to meet me, gave his collec- 
 tion of lOs. 6d. and a crown piece more, the mite of a widow 
 whose heart was with us, while age and infirmities kept her from 
 undertaking the long journey. The attendance at Lancaster 
 would have been much larger, had it not been prevented by 
 a melancholy occurrence, of which I knew nothing till the 
 service was over. One of the travelling waggons, contain- 
 ing 6 persons, when on its way to the place of meeting, M^as 
 precipitated over the bank of a deep stream running into the 
 St. Lawrence, wucn one niic young woman was urowncd, 
 the rest of the people with great difficulty rescued, while both 
 of the horses perished. 
 
14 
 
 The district of Glengary^ comprising three counties, and 
 pretty thickly peopled by farmers and lumberers from the 
 Highlands, presents a most interesting field for the labours 
 of the Free Church. The original settlers were Royalists, 
 who had fought in the ranks of the British soldiery in the 
 first American War, and who, in 1783, were with their lead- 
 er, Col. M'Donald of the Glengary family, located in these 
 parts. They have been wofully neglected by the Church of 
 Scotland, and although there are nominally at present four 
 ordained ministers of that Church labouring among them, 
 the interests of spiritual religion are very low. I regretted 
 that circumstances put it out of my power to visit Mr. M'- 
 Isaac at Locheil, from whom I expected important informa- 
 tion. He had come down at the time originally announced 
 in our circular, but the want of conveyance by steam upon 
 the river had prevented my getting forward at the time fixed, 
 and when I arrived there a few days after, he had left for 
 home, and the distance and state of the roads put it out of his 
 power to return, while similar causes prevented my going to 
 Locheil. There are few places in Canada where active and 
 evangelical pastors would be more acceptable and useful than 
 in the thriving district of Glengary. It is to be regretted 
 that the Gaelic language is so pertinaciously adhered to, and 
 the some remark will apply to not a few of the British Pro- 
 vinces of America. But we cannot control this matter, and 
 the experiment of rooting out a language has already been 
 tried unsucessfully. Under a wise and enlightened adminis- 
 tration of provincial affairs, with the settlement of respecta- 
 ble emigrants from the Lowlands, and above all, with pro- 
 perly educated schoolmasters and an efficient clergy, much 
 might be done. There is no wpnt of ability to support a 
 minister, and the eagerness of the people to flock to the 
 standard of the Gospel, is as palpable in Glengary, as it is 
 
 in T?nsa-sliirp nr Siifhf»rlanH nf VinnriP A vicJf ft-nrn #%«« "<^ 
 
 our apostles of the Highlands, if followed up by the settle- 
 ment of some men of the same spirit, among those interesting 
 
15 
 
 sons of the Gael, would be incalculably valuable in every 
 view. 
 
 Not many mile^ after leaving the district of Glengary, we 
 come to the boundary line betwixt Upper and Lower Can- 
 ada; or as they are now termed, Canada West and Canada 
 East. The diflference is soon marked to the eye of the trav- 
 eller by the appearance of the lands, and houses, and fences 
 of the French habitans; a simple and light-hearted race of 
 men who have lived on their little patrimonial inheritances 
 from generation to generation without any perceptible change, 
 exhibiting substantially, yea literally, the same aspect every 
 way, as they did two centuries ago and more. Popery here 
 reigns in undisturbed sway. The religious establishment is a 
 perfect one. It is wealthy ; it has adapted its supply of 
 Churches to the wants of each locality with admirable pre- 
 cision; its ministers or cures are, generally speaking, sober 
 and well-behaved men, who reside among a people that 
 are much attached to them ; and the very apathy which is 
 characteristic of the habitans tends to perpetuate the hold 
 which Popery with its delusions has taken of their minds. 
 The Protestantism of Britain and of the United States has 
 done almost nothing for them, and a late visit from the elo- 
 quent Bishop of Nancy, as legate from the Pope, has most 
 effectually restored the influence of their priests, which had 
 been somewhat shaken by the late rebellion. An interesting 
 mission at the Grande Ligne, conducted by the Evangelical 
 Society of New York, in connection with that at Geneva ; 
 and the Canadian Missionary Society of Montreal, conducted 
 by Protestant ministers of different denominations, are the 
 only efforts worth notice in behalf of the Roman Catholics 
 of this Province ; and these efforts have been to an encour- 
 aging extent successful. Some young men, natives, are in 
 the course of training for the ministry, and a variety of pious 
 men have been employed as Colporteurs in distributing 
 Bibles and tracts. There is a mission to the French, under 
 the charge of the Synod of Canada, who employ one mission- 
 
16 
 
 ary: but I notice this just to say, that I had evidence of the 
 most palpable kind, that this mission is not entitled to your 
 patronage : and as it is very likely that its agent may be sent to 
 this country for help, I enter my caveat against hisr2ceiving 
 that countenance to which the French Canadian Mission, 
 and the efforts of the Evangelical Societies of Geneva and 
 New York, unquestionably entitle them. 
 
 The City of Montreal, now the capital of the British Can- 
 adian Empire, is alread'^ a stronghold of Free Church prin- 
 ciples; and as the befitting position of a properly selected re- 
 presentative of these principles, it would soon extend a most 
 powerful influence over the province at large. Hitherto, 
 Presbyterianism, which ought on every account to be the 
 strono-est of all the Protestant denominations here, is at the 
 bottom of the scale, and the standard of doc'rine and of practi- 
 cal religion among the professed adherents to the Established 
 Church of Scotland, has been hitherto lamentably low. The 
 greater part of the more pious men who loved that Church, 
 and who love its principles and forms still, have been com- 
 pelled from conscientious motives, to scatter themselves among 
 other denominations, where they find a style of instruction 
 and of pastoral fidelity, which they prefer as more edifying to 
 themselves and their families. Still their affections would 
 attach them strongly to the Free Church, and from all that 
 I saw or heard, I have no doubt whatever, that an overflow- 
 ing audience would attach itself to the ministry of an accep- 
 table and fiiithful minister of the Free Church in Montreal; 
 and so far from there being any jealousy on the part of other 
 denominations, there was unequivocally expressed on their 
 part a most earnest desire to see, as soon as possible, such a 
 fellow-labourer amongst them. The addresses and letters on 
 your table will shew powerfully what is the feeling of the 
 pious people at Montreal. 
 
 There are two additional views of Montreal, as the seat 
 of a Free Presbyterian Church in Canada. Were a Theo- 
 logical Institution set up there, under the charge of the min- 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 
1 
 
 17 
 
 isters of our Church, in the chief cities of that Province, it 
 would not only receive nearly all the young men at present 
 under the charge of the Queen's College, Kingston, but large 
 accessions from the districts around, and even from the United 
 States, its proximity to which would give it a decided advan- 
 tage over any existing seminary. The unhealthy state of 
 American theology for a long time past, renders it highly 
 desirable that the Free Church of Scotland should make an at- 
 tempt at least, to return in kind the valuable benefits confer- 
 red on us nearly a century ago, by the theological writings of 
 Edwards and Dickinson. A circumstance, of which I was not 
 previously aware, demonstrates the facility with which theo- 
 logical seminaries may be instituted, and even kept in efficient 
 operation. At Toronto, at Cobourg, and at Montreal, I 
 found institutions of this class belonging to Methodists, In- 
 dependents, and Baptists; maintained not on the plan of ex- 
 pensive and imposing buildings, to meet the eye and nothing 
 more, but on the plan of an able, a learned, and a truly hum- 
 ble and pious agency, adapted to the wants of a young coun- 
 try, Riid kept up at a moderate cost ; while numbers of young 
 men, suitably qualified, are sent forth from year to year, either 
 as missionaries, or as regularly-settled pastors. The scheme 
 is no doubt in its infancy, but so far as it has gone, it has 
 wrought wonderfully well. The plan of our Indian Mission 
 Scheme for rearing native preachers and catechists, comes 
 as near the idea as any thing that occi;rs to me. One thing 
 is certain, that the want of regularly-organised plans of theo- 
 logical training adopted at an early period of the settlements 
 in North America, was an evil whose consequences are de- 
 veloping themselves even to the present day ; and the friends 
 of religion in the British Provinces ought to take warning 
 from the experiment then made. Presbyterianism, moreover, 
 is of all others the system best adapted to popular institutions 
 in the Colonics, wiiuc it uolds a uue meuium oetwixt tiie 
 proud aristocratic hierarchy of England, and the democratic 
 laymanism and anarchy of the United States. 
 
 C 
 
18 
 
 I 
 
 The second matter to which I referred is, the present pos- 
 ition of Canada as to schools and education. The want of 
 fit teachers and a proper system of common elementary edu- 
 cation has long been felt, and the Legislature have made some 
 important m*>vements in that direction, as will appear from 
 the act of the Provincial Parliament on that subject, which 
 will be laid before the Committee. But all legislative pro- 
 ceedings are null and void, so long as no proper supply of 
 teachers is forthcoming. There is not one training Nor- 
 mal seminary in all British America. There are hundreds 
 of teachers in constant demand, with liberal prospects of remun- 
 eration, and they cannot be had. If the Free Church would 
 take a step in advance, and commission a few of her best 
 teachers from the Normal Seminary in Edinburgh, under the 
 care of Mr. OHphant, she would confer on Canada a benefit 
 worthy of national gratitude ; but much more were she to 
 plant at Montreal a pupil of Mr. Oliphant's, who would in- 
 troduce a befitting model of elementarv instruction. I must 
 confess, that I am jealous of the Canadian Government en- 
 dowing a Normal Seminary, because I would tremble for its 
 Christianity. At present, there is little likelihood of such a 
 thing being attempted, and though it were, the case of Dr. 
 Dufi* and his Christian institutions, as a set-off ap-ainst the 
 cold latitudinarianism of a worldly expediency, ought to be 
 a stimulus to us in the parallel case of Canada. A Free 
 Church Normal Seminary in Montreal, under a man of ability 
 and genuine piety, would beyond question carry the day 
 against all competitors. 
 
 The Protestantism involved in the matter cannot be over- 
 looked. You have, no doubt, heard of the Freres Chreti- 
 ens of the Popish hierarchy of Lower Canada. They were 
 part of the results of the Bishop of Nancy's visit, and their 
 design is, to monopolize the youth of the province. They 
 are learned men from the colleges of Europe. The" are 
 better skilled in the modern languages than any known 
 teachers in any of the British provinces. Their manners are 
 
 4 
 
19 
 
 J 
 
 fashionable and imposing ; and no imputation exists against 
 their morals. Protestants in and around Montreal, employ 
 them as the instructors of their sons and daughters, solely 
 because they cannot get Protestant teachers who are at all 
 qualified. I may add, that many of the Popish priests who 
 swarm in the province, are highly educated men. One of 
 them whom I visited, in company with some friends, is the 
 son of a wealthy merchant in the city, and he possesses 
 fascinating manners. I am not aware of a single Protestant 
 clergyman, of any of the regular sects of Evangelical profes- 
 sors, who can with adequate kiiowledge of the language, cope 
 with any of these men, either in the pulpit or out of it. 
 
 The views which have been thrown out regarding Mon- 
 treal, will apply, with some modifications, in the parallel case 
 of Quebec. In that city, I spent a few days, chiefly in the 
 company of Dr. Cook and Mr. Clugston, receiving much 
 kindness from them, and from Messrs. Gibb and Munn, and 
 others of their congregations, who contributed liberally to 
 the Building Fund, The ministers of the Congregational 
 and Methodist churches in that city, also lent me their pul- 
 pits, and the public meetings on behalf of the Free Church 
 were effective. The Protestant population of Quebec is 
 small, compared with that of Montreal, or with the vast 
 masses of Roman Catholics in the city, and more especially 
 in the suburbs. These form a large city of probably twenty 
 thousand souls, amongst whom there is scarcely a single Pro- 
 testant. In any arrangements for organizing churches and 
 schools in Canada, in connexion with the Free Church, 
 Quebec ought not to be overlooked. In point of religion, it is 
 better than it was years ago ; but it still stands greatly in need 
 of all our efforts, and it will richly repay them. Our excellent 
 friend there, Mr. Gibb, in his anxious desire to have a suc- 
 cession of effective visits from the Free Church, has under- 
 taken to pay all the expenses of a mission to the States and 
 to Canada, of one or other of two ministers whom he named, 
 — the Rev. Thomas Guthrie, or the Rev. James Begg. I 
 
20 
 
 may here add, — though it does not belong to Quebec, — that 
 Mr. Carter, Bookseller in New York, has come under the 
 same obligation, in regard to our venerable friend Dr. Chal- 
 mers. Would I could have assured /iim, as I assured the 
 other friend, that it was not at all unlikely that his handsome 
 offer would be accepted, and with many thanks on the part 
 of my constituents. 
 
 On a review of what has been said regarding Canada, I 
 would remark, that there does not exist in this country any 
 thing at all approaching to an adequate conception of the 
 immense resources of that province of the Empire, or of its 
 rapidly rising value, as one of the dependencies of the British 
 Crown. Twelve hundred miles in length, with an indefinite 
 and i'arying breadth; possessing an unmeasured extent of 
 the finest corn-growing land in any country, while its agri- 
 culture has been but scantily attended to; with the stupen- 
 dous advantages of its inland navigation, the noblest com- 
 mercial river in the world, and a great stretch of coast bor- 
 dering on the vast Pacific; with healthful climate, public 
 burdens far lower than in the United States, and freedom 
 guarded against licentiousness; the Mother Country has done 
 any thing but justice to this her august daughter. With re- 
 gard to Presbyterian Scotland and the Presbyterian Churches, 
 established and non-established, their treatment of Canada 
 has been trifling, and something worse. Any thing, it was 
 thought, would do for Canada: and the consequences have 
 been fatal to the literature, and the Presbyterianism of the 
 province. In such a colony, whose institutions and laws 
 must be essentially free, it is Presbyterianism that accords 
 best with popular feeling; ano had the Presbyterianism of 
 Scotland been represented in Canada as it has been in India 
 by our noble-minded missionaries, the state and prospects of 
 the Free Church in that land, would have been different from 
 what ti>ev are, while the affectionate srratulations of tens of 
 thousands would have been wafted in one gale of grateful feel- 
 ing along the ocean. Our capabilities of doing good to Can- 
 
21 
 
 ada are still great, but they must be put in action without one 
 moment's delay; and they must be applied in common with 
 those other evangelical fellow-labourers of other communions, 
 who were awake while we slept, and whose eiforts on the 
 magnificent field of Canada entitle them to our meed of 
 praise. 
 
 The real good which has been effected by those ministers 
 and teachers of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, who are 
 really spiritually-minded men, and who have proved them- 
 selves worthy of all honour, establishes beyond doubt tho 
 truth of our position, that Canada is the finest field of mis- 
 sionary operation to the Churches in Scotland. The field is of 
 easy access. The expenses of outfit are comparatively small. 
 The climate is healthful. No sti nge language needs to be 
 learned. Ample security for life and property is enjoyed. 
 There is abundance of every worldly comfort. The attach- 
 ment to Scottish institutions is, if possible, far stronger than 
 at home, while a far higher estimate is formed of the value 
 of able and pious pastoral ministrations. Many of the young 
 men of our country, and of its best families, are located there, 
 and through them, a reflex influence must, from time to time, 
 be borne in upon ourselves. These are views which cannot 
 be pressed too strongly on the churches of Scotland. 
 
 In my visit to Nova Scotia, I was ably assisted by the 
 Rev. Mr. Robb, who was the first minister of the Free 
 Church that set his foot on the American shores, having ar- 
 rived in Nova Scotia in July, 1843. His settlement, as 
 minister of St. John's, Halifax, has been a signal blessing to 
 that city, and to the interests of the province. In a large 
 and comfortable Church, which he found literally empty, he 
 has succeeded in assembling a respectable congregation, 
 which is weekly on the increase. His people have nearly 
 finished the erection of Schools for male and female educa-* 
 tion, adjoining the Church; and the Colonial Committee 
 will be appealed to for teachers. In Nova Scotia, as in 
 
22 
 
 I 
 
 Cinada, the want of properly-qualified Schoolmasters and 
 Schoolmistresses is severely felt, and this proves one of the 
 greatest obstacles to the improvement of these valuable col- 
 onies. I cannot press this matter too forcibly on the notice 
 of the Colonial Committee of the Free Church. 
 
 My residence in Halifax extended over two Sabbaths; 
 and collection sermons were preached, in St. Matthew's, 
 the oldest Scots Church; in St. John's; in Dartmouth, 
 on the opposite side of the harbour; J" the Baptist Church; 
 and in the Old and New Methodist Chapels. Public 
 meetings were also held; resolutions passed in favour of 
 the Free Church; addresses delivered; and collections made. 
 The ministers of the two older Scots Churches did not en- 
 courage the Deputation from the Free Church, although 
 many of their people subscribed to our funds, and took an in- 
 terest in our cause. The Church of St, John's happening to 
 be atthe east end of the city, does not suit the irxhabitantsof the 
 west; the city extending to nearly two miles along the edge of 
 the harbour; and moreover, St. John's is already nearly all let. 
 On this ground, the propriety of a second Free Church in 
 the city of Halifax was strongly pressed upon me; and if the 
 Colonial Committee will give our friends there the assurance 
 of obtaining an able and effective clergyman to fill it, the 
 building will go on forthwith; and I do not think there will 
 be any want of funds. The city has not much short of 
 20,000 inhabitants, and it is on the increase. Presbyterian- 
 ism is the dominant feature of the city in its religious aspect. 
 The number of young men in the city, settled in businesr., or 
 preparing for business, is great, and there is a fine spirit ot 
 attachment to the Free Church prevailing among them. To 
 strengthen Mr. Robb's hands is a matter of high importance ; 
 and in the view of a training Seminary for a supply of Col- 
 onial ministers and teachers, I would strongly recommend 
 flip ?m«Tie(liate selection of an exoerienced minister and pro- 
 fessor, to be associated with him, as the accredited leader of 
 the rising Free Church \n Nova Scotia. 
 
23 
 
 Of the ministers who form the Presbytery of Halifax, there 
 are in addition to Mr. Robb, four who may be considered as 
 adherents to the Free Church. These are, the Rev. Mr. 
 Duff, at Lunenburgh ; the Rev. George Struthers, at Corii- 
 wallis; the Rev. Alexander Romans, at Dartmouth; and the 
 Rev. James Morrison, at Bermuda. The Presbytery of 
 Halifax have already, by a majority, decided on the erection 
 of an independent Presbyterian Church in the province, 
 based on Free Church principles; and there is reason to hope, 
 that the Synod of the Province will come to a similar deci- 
 sion. These measures will, in all probability, be followed 
 up by proposals for an union with the members of the Pres- 
 byterian Synod which was organized prior to the Establish- 
 ment of the one in connexion with the Church of Scotland ; and 
 I think 1 can thus congratulate the Committee, on the pros- 
 pect of a valuable branch of the Free Church of Scotland be- 
 ing planted in Nova Scotia. The position just assumed by 
 the Presbyterian Chuich in Englann, was recommended by 
 me as a model on which the Presbyterian Church of Nova 
 Scotia may be organized. 
 
 When in Halifax, my attention was called to the destitute 
 state of Laurencetown, Lake Porter, Musquedabat Harbour 
 and Grant settlement, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, 
 and adjoining the entrance to the harbour of the city. A 
 more important missionary station there cannot be; and I 
 deeply regretted the departure for Canada of Mr. Steel, who 
 has been itinerating in those parts for the last six months, 
 and whose departure leaves those populous places desti- 
 tute. They are cut off from all regular supply, and had it 
 not been that Mr. Robb has occasionally paid them a visit 
 at great personal inconvenience, they would not have heard 
 almost at all, the tidings of salvation. I would not recom- 
 mend the union of Dartmouth, as formerly attempted, with 
 these places. Mr. Romans has at present the ehargc of 
 Dartmouth, while he resides in or near Halifax. This of 
 course, has its inconveniences; but 1 am not prepared at 
 
 I 
 
24 
 
 ■ 
 
 present to propose any alteratione I beg to lay on the table 
 a letter from Mr. Steel, late missionary, on his leaving the 
 charge of the district. Its statements are too important to 
 escape the notice of the members of the Colonial Committee 
 of the Free Church.* 
 
 The importance of the district of Pictou, and its dest-r 
 tion in a religious view, may be estimated from the following 
 Statistics. The congregation of the town of Pictou, lately 
 under Mr. Williamson's ministry, and now vacant, amounted 
 at the census taken of them in 1841, to 2300 souls, the 
 greater part of them speaking the Gaelic language. A min- 
 ister who can preach in that language is absolutely necessary, 
 even independently of the fact, that the Presbyterian minister 
 connected with the United Presbyterian body, an able and 
 excellent pastor, does not possess that qualification. The 
 place of worship accommodates with ease 800 sitters ; it is a 
 neat and commodious building, and in very good repair. 
 The debt upon it is only £150 currency, and a subscrirtion 
 has been already obtained for its complete liquidation. The 
 stipend regularly paid to the late incumbent, was £175 cur- 
 rency. An addition might very easily be made to this by 
 the people, and a faithful mmister shewing an inclination to 
 remain among them, would soon be furnished with a manse. 
 From circumstances which it is unnecessary to mention, this 
 congregation has never been regularly organized, but its re- 
 sources are excellent, and a more important central station 
 there cannot be. The trustees — a few gentlemen in the town 
 and the accredited leaders of a political party — are hostile to 
 the Free Church; but the elders, and the great mass of the 
 people, both in the town and neighbourhood, are with us; 
 and there was but one voice as to the desirableness, and the 
 duty, of our immediately sending out a proper person to take 
 possession of the place. Our dissenting friends, in whose 
 church I preached, and who gave us a handsome collection, 
 
 See Appendix. 
 
25 
 
 
 were as hearty in recommending this, as the members of the 
 congregation itself. If a permanent appointment cannot be 
 made at present, I would recommend that a minister of some 
 standing, of popular gifts, and having Gaelic, should be sta- 
 tioned here for a limited period, to organise the congregation, 
 and prepare them for the permanent settlement of a pastor. 
 Were he accompanied with a young and active missionary, 
 to carry the message of salvation to the surrounding stations, 
 which are numerous, and densely peopled, an auspicious 
 commencement would be made; and of this I am sure, that 
 the Free Church of Scotland is the only existing Church 
 which has the power of taking possession of a position so im- 
 portant as this. I may also add, that without possession of 
 the town of Pictou, all our other efforts inbehalf of the district 
 will be crippled. The town itself, though not so flourishing 
 as it once was, has every prospect of improving; and it em- 
 braces a highly-intelligent and agreeable society of four or 
 five thousand resident inhabitants. Hitherto it has been torn 
 to pieces by political strife, in which the main element is re- 
 ligious differences, and the Presbyterlanism of the Establish- 
 ment of Scotland has, for twenty years, been little else than 
 the badge of a particular party, and any opposition to the 
 Free Church was from this quarter exclusively. One mel- 
 ancholy result of this strife has been the utter prostration of 
 a valuable literary institution, the academy of Pictou, which, 
 with proper management, in the spirit of love, might become 
 the means of great good both in a literary and theological 
 view. We felt a strong impression, that the Free Church of 
 Scotland was specially called to this quarter, in the character 
 of an angel of peace, to heal divisions, and to unite the Pres- 
 byterian body into one firm phalanx. 
 
 The town of Pictou is surrounded, at different distances, 
 of from 7 to 30 miles, by a variety of thriving Settlements, 
 embracino" a nonulation of more than twenty thousand, who 
 require instruction in the Gaelic language. The children, 
 however, generally speak English; the schools are mostly in 
 
 D 
 
26 
 
 ifl! 
 
 that language; and were three or four ministers having Gaelic, 
 to be settled in the district at suitable locations, that qualifi- 
 cation might be dispensed with in the others, provided that 
 evangelical fervour and pious zeal characterized their labours. 
 I shall give a short sketch of the principal settlements. 
 
 New Glasgow is 8 miles from Pictou, across the harbour, 
 and on the East River. The village may embrace a popu- 
 lation of 700, and the township 500 more. In the imme- 
 diate neighbourhood of the town, ai 3 the extensive coal mines 
 of Messrs. Rundell and Bridge, of London; and the place 
 altogether is a very important one. Here, our excellent friend, 
 the Rev. John Stewart, has been settled for a number of 
 years; and I would strongly recommend, that he should not 
 be removed to any other station, but that he should occasion- 
 ally receive assistance from the Colonial Fund, as his con- 
 gregation have been of late crippled in their means, owing to 
 a sad depression in the coal trade, and his continuance in 
 such a district is of very great importance to the cause. As 
 a Gaelic missionary also, his services in the other districts 
 not provided with ministers, are extremely valuable. His 
 nearness to the town of Pictou, renders intercourse with the 
 minister there very easy ; and two able and efficient fellow- 
 labourers in these two places would, by their combined and 
 harmonious efforts, be the means of incalculable good to the 
 province. Mr. Stewart's place of worship is neat, well-situ- 
 ated, and in good condition. It will hold 600 sitters. It is 
 all let, and always crowded. On the fourth Sabbath of 
 May, 1 preached in the forenoon at Pictou; in the afternoon 
 at New Glasgow; and in the evening, at Pictou again; with 
 perfect ease. There had been a great fall of snow, and the 
 weather was otherwise very unfavourable; but two hundred 
 at least, were clinging by the doors and windows, eager to 
 hear a minister from Scotland, even although not possessed 
 of the essential qualification of a Gaelic tongue. Mr. Stewart, 
 however, had given them a sermon in that language in the 
 morning. There is an excellent manse and school-house, 
 
27 
 
 ■ 
 
 lately erected by the people. I have a commission to procure 
 a teacher, capable of instructing in Latin, Greek, Mathe- 
 matics, Land Surveying, and the ordinary branches. The 
 situation is worth £120 currency, per annum. The greatest 
 blessing at present for this locality, would be an eifective and 
 pious teacher; and I would respectfully, but earnestly im- 
 plore the Committee, to make a selection without delay. 
 One who is acquainted with the excellent plan of the Edin- 
 burgh Normal School, would be specially preferred. Par- 
 ticular reasons lead me to add, that no one should be named, 
 whose habits of strict temperance will not bear the severest 
 scrutiny. There are here not less than 4 Sabbath schools, 
 attended by 200 pupils, and on the whole well supplied with 
 pious teachers. 
 
 The congregation of Middle and West Rivers^ lately va- 
 cated by the departure of the Rev. Donald M'Intosh, com- 
 prises 2300 individuals. Two churches are built and in good 
 order; seated for 600 each, and nine miles apart. Each is 
 supplied on alternate days, and the attendance on each is 
 good, never less than 500. There is here a sad lack of 
 schools and of teachers, and there have hitherto been no reg- 
 ularly conducted Sabbath schools, and the older people can 
 scarcely read. Gaelic is indispensable. The sum of £150 
 currency, was regularly paid to the late minister, and the sit- 
 uation, in a temporal view, is progressively improving. In- 
 deed, this remark may generally apply to nearly all the set- 
 tlements around Pictou. The attention of the people has, 
 of late, been more steadily applied to agriculture than here- 
 tofore, and with very fair prospects. A minister of the Free 
 Church ought, without delay, to be planted in this locality. 
 I saw the Rev. Mr. Ross, of the United Presbyterian Synod, 
 who is settled on the West River, and whose neat church 
 with its spire attracts the notice of the traveller, on his way 
 
 from Trnrn in PJpfrnii ? nnd he naanrtta mo tliof o« *■„» c 
 
 apprehending any interference with his pastoral charge, he 
 would most joyfully welcome a right-hearted fellow-labourer 
 
28 
 
 ip: 
 
 in the district, as there is ample room and more for them 
 both. 
 
 Rogers Hilly and River John, form a united charge for 
 on minister; and Cape John might perhaps be adjoined, 
 th ugh with more difficulty. Each of these has a church, 
 regularly built and seated, and in good order. At least 2000 
 persons are within the range. One half of the minister's 
 services might be given to Rogers Hill; and the other half 
 divided betwixt the other two. The Rev. Donald M'Conechy 
 was settled here, but he has lately gone home on residuary 
 principles. Mr. Finlay Campbell has been here stationed as 
 a teacher, and Mr. Stewart assures me that he was the means 
 of doing much good in the district. 
 
 The settlers at Earlton^ and New Annan, comprise about 
 1000 inhabitants, and they have erected a good church. Al- 
 though they made very early application to the Glasgow 
 Colonial Society, they have never got a pastor, but a few 
 pious people from Sutherland meet on Sabbaths, for reading 
 sermons, and conducting public worship. The population 
 is on the increase. They are all Highlanders, and would re- 
 quire Gaelic. The place is 28 miles from New Glasgow, 
 and 36 from Pictou; and yet a deputation came to us at the 
 latter of these places — two venerable and intelligent High- 
 landers — who implored the interference of the Free Church. 
 
 At Tatmagouche, and Wallace, the Rev. Hugh Mac- 
 kenzie, latterly of St. Mary's, was for years settled over a 
 congregation of more than 1200, with two churches, which 
 one man may manage with ease. He has, like some others 
 like-minded, left his flock without any notice of his inten- 
 tions, or any valedictory address, and has gone home to 
 Scotland for reasons known to himself. There is a third 
 settlement called the Gulph Shore, 14 miles distant from the 
 nearest of the other two, and containing rather a mixed pop- 
 ulation. In these three settlements we found the leanino- to 
 be rather in favour of the Established Church; but a few 
 Gaelic appeals from a Free Church minister would tell. The 
 
 I 
 
29 
 
 truth is, the spiritual interests of the people in this, and in 
 some of the other districts, have been made rather matters of 
 secondary consideration; and a cold apathy has been superin- 
 duced. Where the people have had occasional visits from 
 pious evangelical ministers, the result has been very different 
 indeed. 
 
 Lochaber, and St. Mary's, are out-and-out free, and on 
 the very best principles. The people here amount to more 
 than 900, and are on the increase. They had come out prior 
 to our visit, and had sent a Deputation to Mr. Robb, vj^ith 
 an appeal for a minister. They have two churches, in tol- 
 erable order, and one man might with ease occupy both. 
 There is a Mr. Campbell here, a worthy minister of the 
 United Presbyterian Synod, who, if his Gaelic were a little 
 better, might supply the vacancy. This will be a matter of 
 after consideration. 
 
 Barney's River, a settlement of 800, with two churches, 
 is about equally divided in sentiment, one half having de- 
 clared for the Free Church. Had Mr. M'Kichan kept 
 steady in his professions of i\dherence to the Free Church, 
 or had he kept aloof of politics^ the whole would have been 
 with us. As it is, things are not in a good state; and the 
 sooner that Mr. M'K. leaves the district and the colony, the 
 better. He is the cleverest of all the ministers there, but he 
 has been among the least useful. 
 
 East River, West Branch, has two churches, under the 
 Rev. Mr. Macrae, and large congregations. Mr. M. was 
 just about leaving for Scotland, and in his new capacity of a 
 residuary minister, made a violent attack on the Free Church, 
 at our public meeting, in the church of New Glasgow. 
 Other ministers of these Gaelic settlements are nearly in the 
 same predicament. A little circumstance occurred shortly 
 bofore our visit, in regard to one of these gentlemen. The 
 Rev. John Martin of Halifax, Agent for the Established 
 Church of Scotland, had made him offer of £50 as a 
 douceur, and he greedily swallowed the bait. His people 
 
30 
 
 ii 
 
 
 I 
 
 met, and with one voice declared that they would have nothing 
 to do with such unhallowed doings; and ordered restitution. 
 When I left the province, the £50 was still a part of Mr, 
 Martin's floating capital. East River, M'Lennan's Mount, 
 and Merigomish, may be considered as vacant, and the seri- 
 ous attention of the Committee is solicited in their behalf. 
 
 The East River of Pictou was the scene of the apostolic 
 labours of the late Dr. James M'Gregor, who for half a cen- 
 tury preached the Gospel to his countrymen there in their 
 own language. Twenty years prior to his arrival, the in- 
 habitants of Truro, the oldest Scots settlement in Nova 
 Scotia, had applied to the Burgher Secession Church of Scot- 
 land, through Col. Macnutt, the founder of the settlement, 
 for a minister. This was in 1762, and from that period to 
 the present, the ordinances of God have been regularly kept 
 up in the Presbyterian Church of this beautiful place, em- 
 bracing as it does the settlers on both sides of the Salmon 
 River; a situation which was selected by the settlers on the 
 eighth day after their arrival in their adopted country. It 
 was in 1784, the people on the East River met and resolved 
 to have a minister of their own, voting £80 currency as sti- 
 pend for the first year; £90 for the second; and £100 for 
 the third-rather liberal offers for the time, and considering 
 the poverty of the people. Dr. M'Gregor arrived in the 
 Colony in 1786 ; and from that period down to a comparative- 
 ly recent date, he was permitted to go in and out among 
 the people, as their faithful pastor and experienced guide. 
 Othors of the same denomination have followed at different 
 periods, and it is our deliberately formed opinion, that th- 
 wisdom of the Free Church in her Colonial proceedings will 
 lie in amalgamating the labours of all evangelical Presbyter- 
 ians as a set-off against all the foes of civil and religious free- 
 dom. 
 
 We would also remark, that incalculable evils have re- 
 sulted from the conduct of Presbyterian clergymen, in becom- 
 ing professed political leaders of parties. Up to the present 
 
 \ 
 
31 
 
 moment, the principal use that has been made of the estab- 
 lished Presbyterianisra of Scotland's Kirk, has been to keep 
 up the ascendancy of a party whose enmity to the principHs 
 of the Free Church was marked, both in Halifax and Pictou, 
 by the most unequivocal symptoms. We would recommend 
 that ministers and teachers sent out should be prohibited from 
 taking any part in the squabbles of mere political strife ; and 
 that no mere differences amongst them or their people, as to 
 political opinions or parties, ought to interrupt the flow of 
 ecclesiastical union and Christian fellowship. 
 
 I did not visit Cape Breton^ partly from want of time and 
 partly from want of Gaelic. It is a fine field for stated and 
 missionary labour. The loss of Mr. M'Lean has been severe- 
 ly felt; but he has been singularly honoured in another field, 
 and therefore I cannot think of urging his return. An 
 awakening has taken place in this locality ; and one blessed 
 effect of it was, that 300 adults learned to read the Scrip- 
 tures in their own language. On the whole, this island is 
 the best watered of all the provinces of British America. 
 Its schools, and its churches, with its worthy Ministers, 
 Messrs. Wilson, Farquharson, Stewart, Fraser, and Gunn, are 
 gratifying memorials of the zeal of its friends at home, par- 
 ticularly of that excellent christian lady of your city, and her 
 associated sisters in this labour of love, whose hearts must 
 be cheered by the reflection that they have been the means 
 of incalculable good to an Island whose capabilities are far 
 more valuable than has hitherto been supposed. 
 
 The staunch friends of Presbyterianism in Prince Edward 
 Island, hearing of our arrival at Pictou, engaged the St. 
 George steamer, to proceed from Charlotte town to Pictou, 40 
 miles, to bring us to the Island, just as the bishop of Nova 
 Scotia had a few woeks before been conveyed by his friends 
 when on his diocesan visitation. There were four of us en- 
 gaged in this visit, Mr. Robb, Mr. Stewart, Mv. Farquharson, 
 
i 
 
 32 
 
 and myself. Our reception at Charlotte Town, the capital 
 of the Island, was most cheering. Except from the existing 
 Presbyterian incumbent, who was on the eve of his departure 
 for Scotland, there was not even the shadow of opposition 
 to the Free Church. St. James' and the Methodist Churches 
 were placed at our service. From Monday to Thursday 
 mornings, three public meetings were held for sermons and 
 addresses; and two Gaelic services were conducted by Messrs. 
 Stewart and Farquharson in different districts of the country. 
 The attendance and the amount of collections indicated much 
 interest taken in the cause of the Free Church; and the con- 
 gregation of St. James', which was requested to declare its 
 sentiments, seemed not to have a discordant voice. On the 
 question of dispensing with Gaelic, however, there was a 
 difference of opinion, and I am not at all prepared to recom- 
 mend that any other than a Gaelic minister should be sent 
 to Charlotte town. The place is a most important one; 
 and the Free Church has only to go in and take possession. 
 The church is large and handsome; and as to finances, there 
 need be no fear. The congregation has hitherto been scat- 
 tered, but this has arisen wholly from circumstances which 
 ought not to occur again. We have only to depute a man 
 of piety, prudence, and pulpit gifts to occupy that station, 
 and all will go well. Our excellent friend, Mr. M'Lennan, 
 from Belfast, 20 miles distant, met with us in the capital, 
 and presided at the meeting of the congregation of St. James. 
 In the face of most tempting offers from home, he has stood 
 by the interests of the Free Church, and his tried character 
 and respectability renders his help very valuable. At present 
 he stands alone. There are indeed three or four Presby- 
 terian ministers of the United body in the Island, but the 
 want of Gaelic is severely felt by them, and they were found 
 as anxious as we, that a proper settlement of Charlotte town 
 snouki be specuiiy luuue; uiiu tncic rv;iiiani3 ii-^^ <.*■>!• -.,,-.v ...sa. .-jr 
 union among the Presbyterians, a powerful and effective 
 Presbytery of Prince Edward Island will be the result. In- 
 
33 
 
 deed, in every view, Presbyterianism, if properly managed, 
 ought long ago to have had the ascendancy of all other de- 
 nominations in that beautiful Island. 
 
 I regretted that the want of time prevented me from visit- 
 ing any part of New Brunswick. I can, however, report 
 with perfect accuracy on its present position as a Synod 
 Some years ago, a Bill passed the Provincial Parliament, and 
 received the Royal assent, by which all the churches and 
 glebes of the Presbyterian clergy in ihe Province were formal- 
 ly and irredeemably placed in connection with the Establish- 
 ed Church of Scotland. In this they differed most essentially 
 from the case of their brethren in Canada and Nova Scotia, 
 whose connection was entirely of a voluntary character, and 
 therefore susceptible of alteration. Little doubt, indeed, can 
 be entertained that if the majority of the Synod of New Bruns- 
 wick had resolved on declaring themselves independent, a 
 change in the Bill might have been obtained. But unfor- 
 tunately, the moral heroism of the Synod seems to have failed 
 them, and the principles which its members were understood 
 to hold prior to the Disruption, they have, in nearly every in- 
 stance, abandoned for the sake of keeping up their connec- 
 tion with the erastianized Establishment. 
 
 Like causes produce similar effects every where; and while 
 New Brunswick in the north was thirling itself voluntarily 
 to the Established Church, the Synod of British Guiana 
 has been doing the same thing in the south. There, I can- 
 not hear of more than one minister, Mr. Young, who has 
 stood manfully by his avowed principles; and I learned from 
 two gentlemen who had come from that province, that the 
 Presbytery of the bounds had lost no time in warning him of 
 the hazard he incurred, and in calling him to account as a sus- 
 pected sympathizer with the Free Church. 
 
 In taking a conjunct view of the particulars in this report 
 a few general remarks occur with which I shall conclude. 
 The vast importance of these rising Colonies of Britain has 
 
34 
 
 by no means been (hily estimated by any class of religious 
 professors, and least of all, by tlie Church of Scotland. A 
 fearful responsibility rests on our heads for the neglect of 
 our brethren, our kinsmen according to the flesh, who with 
 imploring looks and melting petitions, have been from year 
 to year entreating us to come over to their help. Nor is it 
 the neglect of sending ministers and teachers altogether, that 
 constitutes the main element of this responsibility. With a 
 few honourable exceptions, the men whom we commissioned 
 to represent us there, have not been adapted to the end in 
 A stiff, dry, formal, and worldly-minded ministry 
 
 view. 
 
 will do no good any where, but the injury it has done in the 
 Provinces is incalculable. There, scriptural and highly prac- 
 tical views of divine truth, brought out in a simple unaffected 
 style, and addressed in season and out of season with affec- 
 tionate warm-heartedness to immortal beings, many of whom 
 travel great distances to hear the Word of Life, are the very 
 soul of the ministry; and no minister will do any good 
 among the settlers, unless he is not only bland in his manners, 
 but S'^if-denied in his whole habits. In surveying the scenes 
 of the ministry of Father Rale, the celebrated Jesuit of a cen- 
 tury ago, whose communicativms as printed in the Lettres 
 edijiantes et curieuses, are so intensely interesting, I could not 
 help drawing an affecting contrast betwixt the singular de- 
 votedness of that apostle of error, who for half a century en- 
 dured unparalleled privations and sufferings in zealous efforts 
 to convert the Indians of Canada, with the selfishness and 
 the worldly policy of the great mass of professedly Protestant 
 ministers or missionaries in the same field. A higher stand- 
 ard of pastoral qualification and of duty must be realized be- 
 fore we can reasonably look for the blessing of the great 
 Head of the Church on our evangelistic schemes. 
 
 There cannot be a doubt that the great mass of the pious- 
 ly-disposed Presbyterians of all the Provinces, are heartily 
 with the Free Church, and that the grounds and reasons of 
 this are to be found in a right appreciation of our principles, 
 
 ! 
 
 
35 
 
 X 
 
 as essential to the real efficiency of a Church which calls her- 
 self Protf sitant and evangelical. On the other hand, it is a 
 painful fact, that a large proportion of the Scots Presbyterian 
 clergymen in all the Provinces are against us. Of the grounds 
 and reasons of their hostility, no reasonable man can enter- 
 tain the shadow of a doubt. There is something in the name 
 and in the general respectability of a Church Establishment 
 which attracts superficial members; and even where, as in 
 the Colonies, the benefits of an establishment can scarcely 
 be said to be enjoyed at al", the ideal influence of a " con- 
 nexion" with the national establishment of the mother coun- 
 try, carries something of a charm along with it. And then, 
 the fear of losing the paltry regium donuniy or clergy re- 
 serve, has had a blinding effect on many. All this proceeds 
 on a lamentable ignorance of the great spiritual principles 
 which lie at the foundation of all churches of Christ. The 
 notion that the question of spiritual independence is a local 
 or a Scottish one exclusively, is a fatal delusion. If the Col- 
 onial churches shall fraternize with the Establishment, and 
 hold out to her the riglit hand of fellowship, they will neces- 
 sarily adopt her principles, and by the very act of aflSliation, 
 approve of her proceedings. Thus will they invite the civil 
 authorities to interfere with their spiritual proceedings, and no 
 long time may elapse before the most painfully-distre.- sing re- 
 sults of such interference may be realized. A Church which re- 
 ceives aliment from the State, may perhaps preserve her spir- 
 itual independence, if she makes it distinctly known that she 
 accepts the boon on the express condition of non-interference 
 with her proper domain. But how she can do so, if she adopts 
 a principle directly in the teeth of this, or if she unites herself 
 irredeemably with those who do so, it would require the hair- 
 splitting metaphysics of the school of Loyola to explain. 
 
 I do not think it at all likely, that a decided declaration 
 for Free Church principles, and consoouentlv of iiidenend- 
 ence on the Scottish Establishment, on the part of the 
 churches in the Colonics, would, as a matter of course, issue 
 
36 
 
 in the pecuniary losses apprehended. An Establishment at 
 home without a people is bad enough; but an endowed 
 Church in the Colonies without those whom the endowment 
 was meant to help, is an absolute monstrosity. If the Hrit- 
 ish Government ivill act on such a principle, let the offers of 
 Mammon go. They have hitherto done little beyond stir- 
 ring up strife; and their factitious value has induced not a few 
 inefficient men to come out to the Colonies, and to remain 
 long after a pretty significant hint had been given by their 
 people, that their removal would break no hearts. But if 
 such an issue shall be realized, the affections of the Colonists 
 will, as in our own case at home, gather more strongly around 
 self-denying and suffering pastors; and God, even their own 
 God, shall bless them. 
 
 Of the results of the Synodical meetings in the provinces, 
 no doubt need to be entertained. The Synod of Nova 
 Scotia, it is almost certain, will, by a majority, declare its 
 independence, and then open a correspondence with the 
 Free Church, and with the other churches of England, Scot- 
 land, and Ireland, holding similar piinciples. Of the Synod 
 of Canada, two-thirds will probably adhere to the residuary 
 Establishment; but these will consist partly of out-and-out 
 moderates and erastians, and partly of the medium party, 
 who vainly attempt to reconcile Free Church principles with 
 a practical recognition of the Establishment in its essentially 
 altered form. I cannot doubt that the Colonial Committee 
 of the Free Church will, in these circumstances, come forth 
 effectively to the help of our friends in that province ; and if 
 they do so promptly, by gifts of suitably qualified men, and 
 by such grants of money as may be in their power, they will 
 lay the foundation of a church, in that vast and growing 
 country, whose blessings shall extend to distant generations. 
 
 The resources of British America are immense; and the 
 liberal sums which our brethren in these provinces have al- 
 ready, through your Deputy, thrown into your treasury, 
 amounting to a large proportion of all that the Church of 
 
 
37 
 
 Scotland ever bestowed, afford a guarantee of cheerful and 
 ample support to a preached gospel. Only let Montreal, 
 Kingston, Toronto, and Halifax, have each an able and pious 
 representative of the Free Church, and let each of the min- 
 isters appointed to these important localities occupy a place 
 in a Seminary or College for theological training of young 
 aspirant? born in the provinces, and no fears need be enter, 
 tained of the happy result. All the "well-springs" of Zion 
 are in the hands of the great Head, whose honour we seek to 
 vindicate; and when he opens, no man can shut them. For- 
 eign shores will smile with the blessings of British beneficence. 
 A sound and scriptural Presbyterianism will shed its plastic 
 influence over the scattered families of the provinces, and a 
 blessed re-action on the Church at home, will be one of the 
 smallest of the rewards which will crown your labours. 
 
 ■^'V*-^ ^^ 
 
 Since the above Report was drawn up and submitted, a 
 disruption has taken place in the Synods of Canada and 
 Nova Scotia. In the former, 39 ministers have voted for 
 retaining the connexion with the Establishment, and 21 have 
 voted for its abandonment. In Nora Scotia, two-thirds 
 of the ministers have relinquished their connexion with the 
 Establishment, and resolved to form an independent Presby- 
 terian Synod, holding fellowship with the Free Church, and 
 with others holding the same principles. Our brethren in 
 both provinces, will require the prompt and liberal aid of the 
 Free Church, in a supply of pious and effective labourers. 
 
t&A. 
 
 ■ 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 i 
 
 No. I. 
 Address of Christian Indians, 
 
 " Credit Mission, llth April, 1844. 
 " Gentlemen, 
 
 " We welcome you to our shores, to this distant Territory of our 
 great mother the Queen, the land of our forefathers ; and we shake 
 hands with you in our hearts as ambassadors of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 ** The white man has brought us the Words of the Great Spirit, and 
 taught us the Christian Religion, and our hearts have been made very 
 glad in believing on the Saviour: truly we have been made to sit to- 
 gether in heavenly places in Christ Jesus our Lord. ^ We have heard 
 of the many sacrifices you have made in order to enjoy, unshackled, 
 the pure doctrines of the Holy Bible, and that your ardent desire is 
 to keep yourselves unspotted from the world. 
 
 "Your tender appeals for aid have reached our ears, and our hearts; 
 and our hearts have been much moved while we have thought of your 
 sufferings ; and permit us now of our scanty means to present you with 
 a smairtestimonial of our Christian regards with our fervent prayers 
 for your prosperity. May your sky be clear as the noon day, and 
 may your council fire never be extinguished, but may the smoke of 
 it ascend undisturbed till rolling years shall cease to move. 
 "This is all we have to say. 
 
 "TYENTENNEGEN, W^arC^iV. 
 
 "Rev. Drs. Cunningham and Burns, 
 
 Deputies to Canada, from the Fr« 
 
 Protesting Church of Scotland. 
 
 "P. S. The Head Chief of this place is away at present, but T have 
 his sanction for the above address, "T." 
 
 RNS, ^ 
 
 h-ee > 
 h J 
 
 No. II. 
 
 Congregational Union of Canada West. 
 
 " Toronto, Canada West, April \M, 1841.. 
 
 "To the Rev. Dr. Burns, Repre- \ 
 sentative of the Free Protest- > 
 ing Cliurch of Scotland. ) 
 
 "Rev= ANn REsrECTED Sib, 
 
 " Allow me to place in your hands for transmission to the Free 
 Protesting Church of Scotland, the following resolution of the Congre- 
 
I 
 
 40 
 
 gational Union of Canada West, at thoir last Annual Meeting held 
 nt Brentford on the sixth of July, 1843 : — 
 
 ** Resolved,— That the noble stand made in North Britain for the 
 maintenance of Christ's supremacy in his Church, lays such meetings 
 as the present, under a solemn responsibility; in the fulfilment of which 
 we beg most cordially and fraternally, to express our sympathy with 
 our brethren of the Free Protesting Church of Scotland, in their self- 
 denying efforts to free themselves from a yoke, which neither they, nor 
 our forefathers were able to bear." 
 
 ^ In the Report read at the Meeting which passed the above Reso- 
 xution, the fallowing passage occurred, in relation to the event which 
 called it forth,— "In this connection, your Committee would deem 
 themselves guilty of a crime, did they fail to notice the large Seces- 
 sion which has so lately taken place in the Church of Scotland. Since 
 the retirement of the two thousand holy men whom the act of Unifor- 
 mity drove from the English Establishment, no event of greater if of 
 equal importance, has in our opinion occurred in the history of the 
 C lurch of Christ. It is an omen, we trust, of happy days at hand. 
 Though between these brethren and ourselves, there exist differences 
 to which both conscientiously attach importance, we recognize with 
 joy the high principle they have manifested in relinquishing, when 
 they felt their Master's rights to be violated and the Church's spirit- 
 uality endangered, a connexion to which they have been so long and 
 so firmly bound, by affction, association, desire for usefulness and 
 conviction of duty ; and most sincerely wish them God speed in 'their 
 efforts to bless their native land, on which, and on the Christian Church 
 at large, they have thus shed a fresh lustre." 
 
 I congratulate myself. Sir, on the privilege which I thus enioy of 
 being the medium through which the feelings of my brethren and 
 their churches are conveyed to yourself and your companions in a 
 struggle so elevated and glorious. To the body with which we are 
 identified, whether in the Old World or the New, the grand principles 
 m favour of which you have borne a testimony so imposing, so heroic 
 so prompt, and so triumphant, have always been dear, as their suffer- 
 ings for them have witnessed. It was, therefore, with a peculiar inter- 
 est we watched the contest in which you were engage'' so lono- and 
 with a peculiar satisfaction we beheld the splendid proof afforded by 
 you, both of the conscientiousness and of the depth of your convictions 
 To him whose grace has helped you so wondrously, the one source of 
 whatever is good, be all the praise ; and may he sustain you in every 
 trial you may have to endure for his sake, carry you forward and per- 
 fect you in the knowledge and practice of his will, crown your efforts 
 for his glory with an abundant and a lasting success, and give you 
 among the churches of his saints, a position which shall correspond 
 with the best periods of the church of your fathers, whose spirit we re- 
 joice to see manifesting itself so strongly in you, and to whose honoured 
 iiaine, around which your country's best and holiest associations clustre 
 we hold you to be more then ever entitled, notwithstanding the dis- 
 ruption^ of your connection witli the State. The dissolution of that 
 connection we hail as your disenthralment, your introduction to the 
 glorious freedom with which Christ makes free, and therefore we 
 congratulate you upon it. For all that a Church of Christ should'spe- 
 
 cially value, the means of honourlnp- tlioir TiOivl tliT""n-h fb" °•1lv^f' 
 
 ot those for whom he shed his precious blood, it has placed you on a 
 vantage ground which we are persuaded you will feel to be more tlian 
 
 II 
 
 1 
 
 \ 
 
% 
 
 41 
 
 an adequate compensation tor the sacrifices you liave made, confessedly 
 large as they are. Thougli your own loved country, your own people 
 and your own souls, will first realize the benefits of your enlightened 
 zeal, and magnanimous self-denial, we believe its happy influence will 
 be telt through the world, and to the close of time, and pray that it 
 mav l)e so. It is further, our firm persuasion, that the warm sym- 
 pathy you have met with on the part of Christians of other denomi- 
 nations, and which will be continued to you so long as your circum- 
 stances call for it, and you maintain the principles for which yuu are 
 now suffering, will contribute, in connection with the generous liber- 
 ality of your own people, to make you feel and proclaim that the 
 Uhuvch s kind Head has made, in the unconstrained support of its 
 members, a provision adequate to all its wants, and that such is the 
 provision on which he would have it rely. 
 
 In conclusion, we congratulate the church of which you have been 
 so long a useful and valued member, on having found an expounder 
 ot its principles and pleader of its cause so able, and a representative so 
 imlnied with its holy, free, and vigorous spirit, as you have proven 
 yourself to be. We also congratulate you on the high honour which 
 their committal to you of a trust involving so much that is dear to 
 them reflects upon you, and which will, in generations to come, con- 
 nect your name in an association close and hallowed, with names al- 
 ready long fragrant, and with others, yet destined to be had in ever- 
 lasting remembrance, as the benefactors of their race. 
 
 In name, and on behalf of the Congregational Union of Canada 
 West, I subscribe myself, 
 
 "Yours in the work and hope of the gospel, 
 
 "ADAM LILLIE, ^c'cm.-rj/. 
 
 No. in. 
 
 Congregational Union of Eastern Canada. 
 
 Montreal, Gth 3fay, 1844. 
 
 To the llov. II. Burns, D. D. ) 
 
 Deputy to Canada, from ' 
 
 the Free Protesting Church ( 
 
 of Scotland. J 
 
 Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 _ The Congregational Union of Ea torn Canada, desirous to ex- 
 press Its sympathy with, and its affection for the Free Protesting Clunrh 
 of Scotland, unanimously passed a Resolution at its last Annual Meet- 
 ing and instructed the undersigned Pastors at Montreal, and members 
 of the Union, to act as a Committee for the purpose of conveying its 
 sentiments through an appropriate channel, to the General Assembly 
 01 said Cnurch. "^ 
 
 The presence, in the City, of a beloved and much honoured De- 
 putation from that ( Jliurch alibrds us very hui-pily the desired oppor- 
 tunity ; we, therefore, l)og respectfully to lay before you the Resolu- 
 tion adverted to, and request you to present it to the Free Protesting 
 Churcli of Scotland in whatevi-r manner you may deem appropriate. 
 
42 
 
 "Resolved, — That this Union of Pastors and Clmrches in Eastern 
 Canada, while they solemnly avow their conviction that all State Es- 
 tablishments of Religion are wrong in principle, .and stand in the way 
 of the diffusion of divine truth ; nevertheless most cordially sympathize 
 with the honoured brethren who have seceded from the Established 
 Church of Scotland, and have formed themselves into the Free Pro- 
 testing Church, in sacrificing their comfort and convenience, rather 
 than violate the dictates of an enlightened conscience ; and moreover, 
 do hereby accord our admiration of that high-toned principle, which 
 prompted upwards of four hundred ministers of the gospel, to resign 
 their livings in the Establishment, on grounds which aftord their une- 
 quivocal testimony to the legislative authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 as King and Head of his Church ; while at the same time they express 
 their devout gratitude to God for this renewed evidence of the power 
 of Christian principle, and fervently pray that the influences of the 
 Holy Spirit may be abundantly shed forth, to increase the light, com- 
 fort,* and usefulness of that Church." 
 
 Permit us to avail ourselves of the opportunity now afforded, to 
 express our unfeigned esteem and affection towards yourself, and to 
 subscribe ourselves. 
 
 Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 Yours in the bonds of Christian love, 
 
 HENRY WILKES, A. M, 
 JOHN J. CARRUTHERS, D. D. 
 
 I 
 
 No IV. 
 Address from Prescott, Canada West, 
 
 " To the Rev. Dr. Robert Burns, \ 
 Deputy to Canada, from the Free > 
 Protesting Church of Scotland. ) 
 
 " Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 " We, the Presbyterians, and other Christian brethren, of Pres- 
 cott and its vicinity, cannot allow the present favourable opportunity 
 to pass, without expressing our sincere esteem and unqualified sym- 
 pathy for the Free Protesting Church of Scotland, of which you have 
 the honour to be a distinguished member, and a deputy from her to 
 Canada, to furnish information regarding her position, principles, and 
 prospects; and we, therefore, with the hearts of men from various 
 countries united to your cause, bid you welcome among us, and assure 
 you. Rev. Sir, that the reception is cordial and unfeigned. 
 
 " Your cause is our cause ; your king, is our king ; and when we 
 promote the best interests of the Free Protesting Church of Scotland, 
 we only promote our own. 
 
 " We would be happy, if some of your brethren of the distinguished 
 Deputation, now in the United States of America, would come to hon- 
 our us with a visit, as you have done : and that others, now in Scot- 
 land, would not only come to visit, but remain among us. _ * The har- 
 vest is ripe ; the press is full ; the fats overflow ; the wickedness of 
 the land is great ;' and therefore, we invite the Free Protesting Church 
 
43 
 
 of Scotland, to put in the sickle and reap. We have * land enough, 
 and to spare,' and we will give a goodly portion of it to any number of 
 reapers you may be pleased to send into the field. 
 
 " We tender our wai'mest gratitude and Christian respects to your- 
 self personally ; and may the God of all grace and providence give you 
 health, and success in your arduous labours ; carry you home to your 
 dear family and brethren, in peace and safety ; spare you long to be 
 a blessing to them, your flock, and the Church of God ; and after you 
 have finished your labours of love, may He receive you into His eter- 
 nal mansions of rest and glory. 
 
 (Signed) "John Holden, Chairman. 
 
 T. Freel, Secretary, 
 " Prescott, April the 22d, 1844." 
 
 ] 
 
 No. V. 
 From Ministers, SfC. at Montreal, 
 
 " To the Rev. Dr. Burns, Delegate 
 of the Free Protesting Church of \ 
 Scotland. 
 
 " Rev. and Dear Sir, 
 
 " We, the undersigned Ministers, Office-bearer?, and Member 
 of Churches in Montreal, cannot pennit you to leave the city, without 
 assuring you of the sentiments of wann personal regard, and sincere 
 respect, with which we have been impressed by your intercourse with 
 us ; and, at the same time, we desire, through you, to inform the Free 
 Church of Scotland, that her cause has been strongly commended to 
 our confidence, by your ab'e and candid manner of presenting it, as 
 well as by your cluar, forciole, and evangelical exposition of scripture 
 truth from the pulpit. 
 
 "We trust that your visit, short as it has been, will be followed by 
 highly beneficial results ; and we assure you of our best wishes for 
 your future welfare and success. 
 
 " Commending you to the care of our mutual Father in heaven, we 
 are. 
 
 t( 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 H. Esson. 
 W. Taylor. 
 
 Matthew Lang. 
 Caleb Strong. 
 
 J. Ferrier. 
 J. Redpath. 
 Henry Vennor. 
 James Court. 
 Samuel S. Wener. 
 Jolm Dougall. 
 A. Wallace. 
 John Wenham. 
 
 " Your very obedient Servants, 
 
 Ministers. 
 
 Robert Cooney. 
 John Girdwood, 
 T. T. Howard, Metho- 
 dist new connexion. 
 
 H. 0. Crofts,Methodi8t 
 
 new connexion. 
 R. A Fyfe. 
 Henry Wilkes. 
 
 Office-hearers and Members. 
 
 James R. Orr. Benjamin Lyman 
 
 John Davidson, C. Ba- 
 sin. 
 
 Archd. M'Goun. 
 John Smith. 
 J. Leslie. 
 Archd. Ferguson. 
 G. Jones Lyman. 
 John C, Beckot. 
 
 Wm. Muir. 
 Alfred Savage. 
 Evan Mac Iver. 
 David Ferguson. 
 Joseph Mackay. 
 Alexander Fraser. 
 William Hutchison.' 
 
44 
 
 ill 
 
 No. VI. 
 Appeal from Montreal for a Minister. 
 
 " To the Convener of tlie ColoninO 
 Committoe of the Free Protest ^ 
 
 ing- 
 
 Church of Scotkiud. 
 
 f 
 
 " Ueveremd Sir, 
 
 "We take the liberty of calling; your attention, and through 
 you, that of the Colonial Committee, to the following- statements, which 
 we are anxious to commit to your consideration. Hecognising as we 
 do, in the Free Protesting Church of Scotland, the veritable Church of 
 our fathers, the Church of the martyrs and confessors of former days, 
 now disestablished indeed, but free, we tender our heartlelt sym[)athy 
 with you in your joys and sorrows. Holding such sentiments, it was 
 with very great pleasure that we received a visit from the Rev. Di-. 
 Burns of Paisley, the Deputy to Canada, on behalf of the Free Church 
 of Scotland ; and Avhile we deeply regret that Dr. Cunningham was 
 unable to fulfil his expected engagements in Canada, we bless God, and 
 wo congratulate the Free Church, on the cordial and enthusiastic man- 
 ner in which your representative has been received in this province. 
 
 " The visit of Dr. Burns has, Ave trust, been productive of great good, 
 and has awakened a deep interest in favour of the Free Church. It 
 has been the cementing bond between Christians of many evangelical 
 denominations, who vied with one another in their cordial reception 
 of the esteemed Deputy of a witnessing, no less than of a sulfering 
 Church ; and amongst our Scottish Presbyterians, a spirit of Inquiry 
 has been excited, which, we trust, will be productive of the happiest 
 results. ^ Dr. Burns has acquired in his tour an insight into the spirit- 
 ual destitution and wants of Canada, and we venture to solicit the 
 special attention of the Colonial Committee to the Keport, which it is 
 his intention to lay before you on his return to Scotland. 
 
 " This is eminently a growing country; and year by year is receiv- 
 ing accessions of Presljyterians to its population, whilst the provision 
 for their spiritual instruction remains totally inadequate to their wants. 
 " In many parts, indeed, they are as sheep without a shepherd, yet 
 long for the arrival of some active working ministers among them. 
 
 *' Canada thus presents an inviting and open field for missionary ex- 
 ertions throughout its length and breadth, and we think, special rea- 
 sons may be adduced, why the Free Church should occupy it as her 
 most important Colonial station. 
 
 " At onetime, we entertained the hope, that at the next meeting of 
 Synod, decisive steps would be taken to secure the independence of "the 
 Colonial Church, and to sever all connection, nominal or real, with the 
 Scottish Establishment, and vie^vs in accordance with this expectation 
 were expressed in a letter from the Conunittee of this city, to the Rev. 
 Dr. Cunningham. Now, however, after viewing the various lines of 
 conduct pursued l)y the different Prcsl)yteries in this country, and the 
 discordant elements of which .ney are composed, and learning at the 
 same time, that many ministers hitherto professing free church prin- 
 cijdesjare prepared to give their support to a measure less stringent 
 than, in our opinion, a regard lo either consistency or principle de- 
 mands, we are led to record our l)elief, that from the existing Synod of 
 Canada as a hodj/y nothing satisfactory to the adherents of the Free 
 Church can be expected ; and in the event of a disruption, whether 
 
 
45 
 
 
 the numhev of ministers who adhere to your cause he small or great, 
 of one thing we are assured, that we must at the outset, endeavour to 
 establish a cordial and intimate alliance with the Free Protesting 
 Cliurcli, ero we can expect to see the standard of religion elevated in 
 the Presbyterian Churdi, or procure faitliful and evangelical ministers 
 to supply the wants of the colony, for many years to come. 
 
 " We are satistied tliat the time has arrived when the Free Church 
 of Scotland should make an elfort to extend her influence throughout 
 this great colony : and the most efficient step towards the accomplish- 
 ment of this o1)ject, would undoubtedly be, the settlement of an able 
 Free Church minister in Montreal, from whence, as the capital of the 
 province, all those important movements whicli affect its spiritual in- 
 terests should emanate. 
 
 •* We are consequently most anxious, that here, the Free Church 
 shouUl at once take up her stand, aiul rally around her the piety and 
 zealous activity of tiie Scottish Presbyterians. 
 
 " In earnestly soliciting, as we now do, that a minister of the Free 
 Protestinj^ Clunch should, as soon as possible, be settled among us ; we 
 beg to state, that in our opinion, it uould be essential to the prosper- 
 ity of the Free Cliurch in Canada, that he be a man of experience, 
 energy, nnd elofjuence. This we consider of the highest importance. 
 
 *' One of the chief advantages which we anticipate from the accession 
 of such a minister, would be, the raising of the tone of ministerial ex- 
 cellence, both with respect to pulpit ministrations,and the performance 
 of pastoral duties. There can be no one, at all acquainted with Can- 
 ada, who is not cognisant of the great deficiency at present existing 
 throughout the province, in both these respects, amongst Scottish Pres- 
 byterians. 
 
 " Another prominent object to be kept in view is, the exercise of 
 a strict discipline with respect to the admission of members, and the 
 election of othce- bearers in the Church ; on this point, we would wish 
 to lay particular stress. Having witnessed in our churches the lamen- 
 table conequences wliich have arisen from laxity in both these respects, 
 where worldly men have been admitted as members, and even asoffice- 
 bearers, without any title on religious ground to such privileges, it 
 would be our especial desire, to see our infant Free Church formed on 
 pure and scriptural principles, and the evidences of renewing grace 
 exhibited in the daily walk and conversation of the Christian made 
 the test of admission to its communion. 
 
 " The sphere of usefulness of such a minister stationed here, would 
 by no means be confined to this city; his influence would be felt over 
 the whole province. 
 
 " We are also of opinion, that until some permanent provision can be 
 made for the purpose, he should undertake the task of superintending 
 the Theological Students who adhere to the Free Church. This is the 
 more necessary, as of the seven Students who last Session attended 
 Kingston Theological Hall, six, we understand, are favourable to the 
 Free Church: and it is most desirable, that a competent instructor 
 should, without delay, be provided for them; one who will at the same 
 time, be an example in pastoral activity and efficiency. From tliose 
 considerations, as well as others that might be adduced, we deem it 
 very important thai a laiiiiatcr of standing be appointed to this station, 
 and we would respectfully suggest the names of two or three clergy- 
 men, whom we would consider eminently qualified for such a situation : 
 the Hev. Ur. Burns, Paisley; Uev. W. K. Tweedie of Edinburgh; 
 
46 
 
 llev. R. M'Donald of Blairgowrie. The above names seem types of 
 the class of ministers which we so much require. 
 
 "Acting then independently of any steps which may be taken by 
 the Synod of Canada, inasnmch as the necessity of our case can in no 
 degree be relieved by any future determination wliich it may see fit to 
 adopt; and deeply impressed with the importance of tho object for 
 which we at present petition, 
 
 " We, the undersigned, subscribers to the memorial, do hereby give a 
 call to any of the above-mentioned clergymen, or to any other minister 
 whom the Colonial Committee may consider adequate to the charge 
 to be our pastor: and we further agree, to guarantee to him for two or 
 three years, such remuneration as your Committee shall deem just and 
 right, after taking our situation into consideration ; and which remun- 
 eration shall be satisfactory to the incumbent himself. 
 
 " In making this application, we do not overlook the pressing and 
 important calls on the ministers of the Free Church, from the destitute 
 locations of Scotland and England. We sympathize with your minis- 
 ters in their multiplied labours, and you may rest assured, that we would 
 have been backward in pressing our claims on your attention, were it 
 not for their imperative nature. It is not the cause of a destitute lo- 
 cality we plead, it is the cause of a vast and growing country. We 
 fear, however, that in the present embarassed position of the Free 
 Church, we cannot in the meantime, secure permanently, such a min- 
 ister as one of those whose names we have taken the liberty to suggest. 
 
 " Could the Free Church spare such a minister as any of those above 
 named, say for two years, to plant and organize the Church, and by 
 that time we would hope the Assembly might be able to provide a suc- 
 cessor competent for a station, of the importance of which they would 
 then be fully aware. We beg leave to suggest the idea, and would be 
 happy were it put in execution. The almost heathenism of many of 
 our professedly Christian settlements in the country, presents a noble 
 field for the exertions of an evangelist; and to Scotland have we looked 
 also for the supply of this desideratum. 3Iany Christian friends here 
 are most anxious that the Rev. W. C. Burns should visit Canada, in the 
 capacity of an evangelist. No one, in our opinion, is so well qualified 
 for the work, and no field could be more suitable than Canada for the 
 labours of Mr. Burns. 
 
 "We leave these considerations in your hands, trusting that in mov- 
 ing in this matter, we Ijave been actuated by no party spirit or hope 
 of party triumph, but by a regard for the spread of vital godliness, and 
 the salvation of the souls of men. While we rejoice to witness the pro- 
 gress of the Free Protesting Church, and pray for her prosperity, we 
 seek in turn your prayers and your assistance, that the dark places of 
 this land may be enlightened, and the gospel of the grace of God 
 preached in its lulness, its freeness, and its purity. 
 
 " We pray earnestly that God may impart to you largely of that 
 wisdom which is from above; that he may incline your hearts to comply 
 with our request; and finally, that both as individuals andas a Church, 
 He may abide with you to bless you, and to do you good." 
 
 (Signed by 12 Gentlemen of Montreal, in name of the friends of the 
 Free Church in that place.) 
 
 4 
 
47 
 
 No. VII. 
 
 Appeal from Montreal for a Travelling Missionary, 
 
 ] 
 
 To the Convener of the Colonial 
 Committee of the Free Protest- 
 ing Churcli of Scotland. 
 
 "Rev. Sib, 
 
 "Since the apostolic age the importance of an Evangelistic or 
 itinerant Christian ministry has probably been grievously underrated, for 
 whilst in other Christian enterprizes, such as the abolition of slavery, 
 the suppression of intemperance, kc, the travelling lecturer isacknow- 
 ledged to be an element of primary importance, the preaching of the 
 gospel alone, the greatest of all the trusts conunitted by Christ to his 
 Church, is left in a great measure to stagnate for want of the healthful 
 circulation of which the apostles set the example and sliewed the sur- 
 passing utility. 
 
 "If however such a ministry would be highly beneficial even in a coun- 
 try filled with pious and accomplished pastors, how incalculably im- 
 portant nmst it be to a country like Canada, where the widely scat- 
 tered and heterogeneous population increases and extends with a rapid- 
 ity which has a constant tendency to leave religious ordinances behind. 
 In such a country the journeys of even one suitable evangelist would 
 prove like paths of light, as his labours would doubtless, by the blessing 
 of God, convert many souls, implant or foster the desire for instruction, 
 raise the standard of religious profession and practice, and prepare' 
 the way for the introduction and maintenance of pastors, after the 
 heart of the great Head of the church. More especially still would 
 we deem it desirable, that mv\\ an evangelist should come from the 
 Free Church of Scotland, because a large and influential portion of 
 the population of this colony are Scotch Presbyterians, who, however 
 destitute they may in many cases be, are generally disinclined to 
 receive the bread of life at the hands of ministers of other denomina- 
 tions, however able and laborious. 
 
 "It would be indelicate in us to speak of the efficiency of ministerial 
 labours, and the standard of piety in the Scotch Presbyterian churches 
 of Canada generally, but for an accurate view of the whole matter, 
 we beg leave to refer to your much-respected deputy, the Rev. Dr! 
 Burns, who had excellent opportunities of arriving at correct conclu- 
 sions on the subject. 
 
 "Finally, we think that the individual who is most likely to be ex- 
 tensively and eminently useful as an evangelist in this country, is the 
 nephew of the above-named gentleman, the Rev. Wm. C. Burns, 
 whose widely-spread reputation would secure him a most affectionate' 
 reception, and whose talents and zeal would enable him to improve this 
 great advantage to tlie utmost. 
 
 " The beneficial results of such a mission as we have indicated are 
 likely to be so stupendous, that we would not even attempt to imagine 
 them all, but amongst them would doubtless be the conversion of many 
 souls, the establishment of many churches, sabbath schools, missionary 
 associations, &c., and the general elevation of the standard of roHgious 
 profession and practice, amongst ministers and people throughout the 
 province. 
 
 "In view of those momentous results, and for the purpose of dis- 
 
48 
 
 charging before God and this Country, the poition of the duty vvhich 
 we believe devolves on us, we hereby solemnly call the Rev. >\ iii. C. 
 Burns to be an evangelist, or travelling |)rea<;her of the gospel, more 
 especially to the Scotch and Irish rresbyterians of Canada, for such 
 a period of time as you and he shall see fit, and we hereby pledge our- 
 selves to provide as you shall direct, for his support during his said 
 ministry. 
 
 (Signed by all the names appended to the other.) 
 
 No. VIII. 
 French Canadian Society, 
 
 } 
 
 ** To the Rev. Robert Burns, D. D. 
 Minister of the Free Church of 
 Scotland in Paisley. 
 
 *'De\rSir, 
 
 «• The Committee of the French Canadian Missionary Society, 
 cherishing a grateful recollection of your particular kindness to those 
 gentlemen, who, in the year 1831), went from this country as a Deputa- 
 tion, to visit England, Scotland, Switzerland, and France, f(»r the pur- 
 pose of presenting their cause to the consideration of a christian com- 
 munity, avail themselves of the present, as a most favourable opportu- 
 nity, to assure yoM personally, that they have ever felt themselves greatly 
 indebted to you, for the generous attention manifested on that occa- 
 sion. They are satisfied, that the same earnest desire to advance the 
 interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, has directed your steps to this 
 country, and trust that you may realise a full measure of success in all 
 your endeavours to promote the cause of pure and undefiled religion. 
 It will, therefore, altbrd them much pleasure, to learn that your visit 
 has been the means of awakening Ciiristians of every denomination, to 
 a more just conception of their individual obligations, that a measure 
 of zeal hitherto unknown among them may be produced, a degree of 
 liberality n ore commensurate wit!) their profession may be displayed, 
 and an energy called forth which shall not cease in its career of ad- 
 vancement, until the triumphs of the gospel are complete. 
 
 "Our Society, you are aware, comprehends among its members those 
 of every evangelical denomination, united by the one desire of pro- 
 moting the spiritual interests of the coummnity by which we are sur- 
 rounded. Merging every other consideration in the one fervent hope, 
 that by a combined efibrt, wo may prove to those whose welfare we 
 seek, the power, the spirit, and the genuine eftect of that faith which 
 we hold. The cause of holy truth in which you have embarked, is that 
 in which we are united ; and we sincerely wish, that having served your 
 generation according to the will of God, it may be your unspeakable 
 happiness to receive as your final award, ' Well done, good and faithful 
 servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' 
 
 " We cannot cone 
 
 lude 
 
 
 without expressing our earnest 
 hope that your arrival in this province may have the eflbct of awaken- 
 ing a more decided conviction in favour of that object which, as a So- 
 ciety, we are endeavouring lo effect; and we trust, that while your 
 
 n 
 
r 
 
 , 
 
 49 
 
 presence nmong iw will be lonj» rome inhered, so you \?ill never ceaa4 to 
 i'eei a doen intorest in our operations and success. 
 
 " Trustmw that your valuable life may yet be spared for many years 
 of future usefuhmss ; that you may, after a speedy voyajBfe, reach your 
 home, your family, and your friends, in safety; and that you may en- 
 joy the light of (vod's countenance, and the direction of his Spirit, in 
 ail the yet untrodden steps of your future life, we remain, with much 
 respect, your's affectionately in the bonds of the gospel, 
 
 " E. P. VVILGRESS, President. J. FERRIEH, B. JOHN WEN- 
 HAM, Vice-Presidents; by order, and on behalf of the Committee* 
 CALEB STRONG, and JAMES COURT, Secretaries. 
 
 "Montreal, 1st Mai/, 1844." 
 
 No. IX. 
 
 Address of St. John s Church Congregation^ Quebec, to the 
 Rev, Dr. Burns, Deputy from the Free Church of Scotland, 
 
 ** Rkv. AND Dear Sir, 
 
 " We, the congregationof St. John's Church, Quebec, beg leave, 
 through our representatives, to welcome you as a deputy of the Free 
 Church of Scotland, on your arrival in Quebec; and heartily to wish 
 you every success in the object of your visit. We, with many in this 
 Province of the British dominions, have lamented over the late disrup- 
 tion of the Church of Scotland, and over the causes which have ren- 
 dered such a disruption necessary. The firm adherence of the Free 
 Church to the standards of the Church of Scotland, has commanded 
 our respect, and the sacrifices which so many of her ministers have 
 made of pecuniary interests and endeared associations, rather than 
 compromise these standards, and violate their consciences, have com- 
 manded our admiration. Our pleasure in thus addressing you is enhanc- 
 ed by the remembrance of the deep interest which you have overtaken 
 in the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and the efficient service which 
 you,as Secretary of the late Glasgow Colonial Society,for promoting the 
 interests of Scottish settlers in British North America, rendered her in 
 providing ministers to various destitute settlements, and in securing, in 
 many instances, pecuniary aid. To you personally, we feel that the 
 members of the Presbyterian Church of Canada owe a debt of respect 
 and gratitude. 
 
 " DAVID DOUGLAS, Chairman, 
 " M. MOODIE, Secretary:' 
 
 NOVA SCOTIA. 
 
 No. X. 
 
 Report by Mr. Steele, Travelling Missionary. 
 
 Porter's Lake, Halifax Horbour, May 18, 1844. 
 Rev. and Dear Sir^ 
 
 The period during which I agreed to remain in this Province, 
 being about expired, I must now comply with the request of the Pres- 
 })jtery of Halifax, transmitted to me in your letter of the 3d ult. 
 
 G 
 
 I 
 
50 
 
 The three districts allotted me, for missionary labour, by the I'res- 
 l)ytery are, Musquodoboit Harbour, Porter's Lake, and Lawrencetown. 
 In one or other of tlieae places, I preached regularly every Sabbatli 
 since about the middle of September last, taking them in succession. 
 The congregations in the two last-mentioned places have been, during 
 winter, small, but larger indeed than could have been expected, when 
 the severity of the season and the quality of the roads are taken into 
 account. In Musquodoboit, neither cold nor distance from the place 
 of w^orship cc^ld keep the people at home on the Sa])bath, and the 
 place of worship there was well filled, even throughout the dead of 
 winter. In the other two ])laces, the congregations have, since the 
 inclemency of the season has passed away, increased so much, that a 
 stranger looking upon the country around would be astonished, and 
 wonder wherefrom the people could come ; and I am happy to say, 
 that I never witnessed in any of the congregations, when assembled, 
 any thing like carelessness, indifference, or inattention during the ser- 
 vices of religion, but the reverse. There appears to be something in 
 the aspect of these congregations indicative of the interest they feel in 
 religion, and of their desire to profit by what is addressed to them from 
 the Word of God ; and the distances some of them come, and the diffi- 
 culties they surmount, in order to be in the house of God on the Sab- 
 bath, are an evidence of the value they put upon religious ordinances, 
 and some of them appear to have received real and lasting benefit to 
 their souls. I cannct speak more positively; presumptive proof in 
 such cases is the utmost that we can obtain. We must leave it to Him 
 who searcheth the heart and knoweth what is in man— to Him who 
 easily distinguislieth between the name and the power of godliness— 
 between the semblance and the reality of religion, and whom no form 
 of godliness, nor fair show in the flesh can deceive, to pronounce con- 
 cerning their real condition. I trust, however, that matters are not 
 worse than appearance, and that the field over which the seed of the 
 Word has been sown in much weakness and imperfection, will not be 
 be without its fruit against the appointed harvest. 
 
 In Musquodoboit, as several families lived near the place of worship, 
 we held a prayer-meeting every Sabbath evening, which was uncom- 
 monly well attended. The school-house in which we generally met was 
 sometimes crowded to suffocation, persons of all ages from six to sixty 
 attended ; and persons, who, to say the least of it, had not been known 
 to engage in prayer in public before, have taken part in the exercises 
 of the evening; and others who had lived in utter neglect of family 
 worshij), have now turned their attention to that important duty, and 
 are setting a good example before their house at home, and I trust their 
 steadfastness and perseverance will evince to all, that they have not re- 
 ceived the grace of God in vain. 
 
 I have several months since, opened a Sabbath class in connection 
 with each of the congregations in which I officiate. In Lawrencetown, 
 however, little or nothing has been done in this respect, owing chiefly 
 to my being called away in the afternoon of the two last days in which 
 I preached there. The young and old seem alive to the importance of 
 this part of the work, and feel a deep interest in it. The two last days 
 I preached at Porter's Lake, between thirty and forty of the youth of 
 the congregation attended the Sabbath class, which is taught immedi- 
 ately after divine service, owing to the distance of the place of worship 
 from the houses of the people, rendering it impracticable for these in 
 attendance to return after an interval. 
 
51 
 
 The people here asscmhle about Eleven o'clock for divine worship, 
 and after it in over, tho Sabbath class occupies the time till about Three 
 in the afternoon ; and I was agreeably surprised to find the greater part 
 of the congregation remain to hear the young at their lessons. This 
 circumstance, on the part of the people, proves beyond contradiction, 
 that they appreciate tlie religious advantages which many others pos- 
 sess, but the improvement of which too many neglect. 
 
 I have preached lately at Coal Harbour and at Three Fathom 
 Harbour, at both of which places, I had a good congregation. I have 
 visited a considerable portion of the people in their houses, and wer3 
 it not for the wide extent of the district, and the impassable nature 
 of the roads during a great portion of the last winter, I would have 
 visited more, perhaps the whole of them — one of the greatest difficulties 
 a clergyman meets with here, is the visitation of his people. Where- 
 ever he may be situated in the district, a great proportion of them lie 
 at a considerable distance from him, and the state of the roads for a 
 great portion of thu year, renders some of them almost inaccessible to 
 him, or at least prevents him from visiting then- so often as he would 
 otherwise be inclined to do. But some of *Ls ; cople may be apt to 
 forget this circumstance, and to imagine, if they sec not the clergyman 
 as often as they wish or expect, that he is careless or indifferent about 
 them. 
 
 The people in this place, so far as I have ever witnessed or could 
 learn, sustain as good a moral character in general, as many in other 
 places do, that are more highlr favoured with means of instruction, 
 secular and religious. And so wr as they have the means of improve- 
 ment within themselves, they are anxious to turn these to ac- 
 count. The people at Musquodoboit Harbour, without any assistance 
 from others, have lately formed for themselves a Temperance Society, 
 which is prospering and promises to do good in the place. In these 
 districts, the great body of the people are Presbyterians, and those of 
 other denominations among them come to our places of worship, to 
 hear sermon without any scruple or prejudice. 
 
 There are in these places, not a few of old, middle-aged, and young 
 people— persons possessed not only of good sense, but also of a consider- 
 able degree of intelligence, who can neither read nor write. Schools had 
 not in their time been planted in this district, and the benefits of educa- 
 tion had not, in their younger years, been planted within their reach : a 
 better day has, however, dawned now upon the young and rising gen- 
 eration here. There are nt present four schools in operation in the dis- 
 trict with which 1 have been for some time connected — one at Mus- 
 quodoboit Harbour, one at Porter's Lake, one at Three Fathom Harbour, 
 and one at Lawrencetown. Now, while all these are conferring a cer- 
 tain amount of benefit upon the localities in which they are placed, I 
 must bear particular testimony to the usefulness and efficiency of the 
 one at Musquodoboit Harbour, which I have lately examined, Mr. 
 Farquhar, the teacher, is full of animation ;:m\ zeal, and takes a lively 
 interest in his pupils, and the present state of his school is an evidence 
 of the success with which he has cultivated their intellects, and impart- 
 ed to them religious instruction. The people of that place cannot too 
 much appreciate his services. Were such schools planted throughout 
 
 ^Kn <>;>!•"<'>*" tlio^ ivniilrl form n vhIii.'iI^Ia iiiirsArv t.n fliA r'hiirrli. 
 
 The people there speak with pleasure of the services with which they 
 were favoured, when you dispensed the sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
 among them, and those at Porter's Lake are wishful to have it dis- 
 
52 
 
 pensed among them in the course of the summer. It would tend to keep 
 them together, and attached to the Church to which they belong, till 
 one come to lahour statedly among them, or at least for a time. 
 
 It is due to the people from me that I should state, that in all the dis- 
 tricts, I have invariably met with the greatest attention and kindness. 
 Indeed, amongst more friendly and interesting people I would never 
 wish my lot cast. Were a stranger passing through the place to judge 
 of the character of the people, from the aspect of the country which 
 they inhabit, he would much mistake- Kind nature has not been 
 lavish of her beauties in this part of >'ova Scotia, either of the class 
 which pleases the eye, or of that which ministers to the welfare of man. 
 The country here is rugged, but not romantic; portions of it are culti- 
 yated, but the best of it is sterile. Providence, however, seems ^d have 
 placed the inhabitants in circumstances favourable to religion, had they 
 the means of grace within their reach. They have neither poverty nor 
 riches. There is none of them wealthy, and there are few of them 
 destitute. They occupy that middle position in life, which of all the 
 situations in which man can be placed, is least exposed to temptation 
 from the world. But in regard to spiritual things they labour under 
 great disadvantages, not having the stated ministration of the Word of 
 life among them. At present, they deprecate the idea of having the 
 doors of their little sanctuaries shut for a time I trust their own 
 prayers, and the prayers of all of us, will ascend in their behalf to 
 Him who builds the wastes of Zion — with whom is the residue of the 
 Spirit, and who waters and refreshes as with plenteous rain his heri- 
 tage when it is weary, that he may send forth one to publish the gos- 
 pel of his salvation, in this dark and neglected corner of his vineyard. 
 
 I am. Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 Your's faithfully, 
 
 (Signed) AL .X. STEELE. 
 
 Bev. R. Robb, Presbytery Clerk, > 
 Halifax. } 
 
 I 
 
 No. XI. 
 Theological Seminar >/ for British North America. 
 
 In the Report, notice is taken (Page 17) of the case of native preach- 
 ers and teachers, in connexion with the Missioii of the Free Church in 
 India. I see no reason why a similar plan of literary and theological 
 training maj^not he adopted by us, for behoof of the British settlers in 
 the North American Provinces. Let the native resources of those vast 
 Provinces he called into action, and there cannot be a doubt, that un- 
 der the charge of proper men, youths of promising talents and piety 
 may be trained for the service of the Church. And why should wo 
 not have a Duff or a Wilson in the West, as we have them in the 
 East ? and what are the mighty reasons why an Anderson, and a Mac- 
 donald, and a Ewavt, and a Nesbit, and a Braidwood, and a Johnston, 
 and a Hislop, ina^ be found as missionaries to the children of India; 
 while ouv own kinsmen, and our own Presl)yttrian Free Church mew 
 in British North America, must be content with representatives of a 
 very different type ? 
 
 ^ 
 
53 
 
 
 ft 
 
 I have been favoured, by Christian friends in Greenock, with original 
 letters from the young men in the " schools of the prophets" in India ; 
 and I have selected a few extracts, as illustrative of the spirit of these 
 promising aspirants, and my most ardent wish for the Colonies is, that 
 they too may have their Venkataramiahs, their Rajahgopauls, and their 
 Etteragooloos, to go forth among them as young evangelists, to carry 
 to them the bread of life. 
 
 Says the first of these interesting yourig men : — " You made our 
 souls leap for joy, by your good report of tlehovah's marvellous works 
 on our behalf. Permit me to relate the story of the great things which 
 he did for his servants here, whereof we are glad, and I doubt not, you 
 also will joy and rejoice with us. The Lord Jesus our exalted King 
 and Head, of late, drew near and strengthened us to have the honour 
 of doing great things. We went up into the country after the exam- 
 ination in January last, to visit two of our branch schools at Consev- 
 eram and Chingliput. In our way to these places of darkness and des- 
 olation, we began to publish the unsearchable riches of Christ to the 
 perishing idolators ; yea, we declared to our countrj/ men and women 
 the wonderful works of God, in our own tongue. We visited these 
 schools, examined them, and declared with all or might and with 
 great delight, not only to the scholars but to as many strangers as were 
 present, the abundant riches of Emmanuel's grace and salvation. The 
 Prince of the kings of the earth was of a truth in the midst of us, giv- 
 ing us strength and tongues .0 declare unto the kingdom of idolators, 
 the fulness and the all-sufficiency of His redemption." " My dear 
 brothers, Rajahgopaul and Etteragooloo, and myself have had the high 
 privilege of instmcting our young countrymen in the knowledge and 
 love of that same wonderful and compassionate Saviour, who " brought 
 us up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry cL and set our feet upon 
 a rock, and established our goinQ:s." In our attempts to lead these souls 
 committed to our care, to "the Lamb of God which taketh away the 
 sins of the world," the Father of lights looked upon us with a smile, 
 and for his Son's sake, gifted us with wisdom, hearts, and tongues that 
 we may be skilful, joyful, and bold in proclaiming the good tidings of 
 salvation. Some of our happiest and most delightful hours were spent 
 in setting before these youths, the riches of the grace and glory of Je- 
 sus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us." 
 
 Says Rajahgopaul, of date, Madras, July 10, 1843: "You cannot 
 conceive with what our mouths have been filled toward our great be- 
 loved Shepherd, when we read your letter, of Him who is 'fairer than 
 the children of men,' Psal. xlv. 2 ; < and the chiefest among ten thou- 
 sand,' Cant. V. 10. Every word of divine inspiration therein contain- 
 ed, did impress my mind not a little, since they have l)een words of 
 resignation and sweetness, a source of comfort and consolation, and the 
 staff of my strength and life amidst my manifold falls and short-com- 
 ings, sore trials and temptations, desertion of friends, and the hatred of 
 the slaves of sin, and willing captives of Satan. In all these changes, 
 and prospects of a good Providence, I am enabled to say, by the mighty 
 power of God, (1 Pet. i. 5.) and the influence of the blessed gospel of 
 Jesus Christ, after having past two full happy years of my life, from 
 20th June, 1841, to 10th July, 1843, 'The Lord is still my light, and 
 salvation ; whom shall I fear? tlie Lord is the strength of my life ; of 
 whom shall 1 be afraid V Psal. xxvii. 1. *0 Lord, truly I am tliv ser- 
 vant ; 1 am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid : thou hast 
 loosed my bonds : For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine 
 eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.' Psal. cxvi. (>, 8. 
 
54 
 
 Of date, "Free Church Mis3ion-Hou3e, Madras, April 24, 1844,'* 
 Etteragooloo thus writes: "I spoke to Govindoo on his leaving us, about 
 Christ. He was very much moved, and when he parted with me, his 
 shaking hands with me made such an impression upon my mind, that 
 I still remember how unwillingly he parted. Oh may the Lord of love 
 save him, and keep his tender soul safe amidst the ravenous wolves. 
 Whenever I thought of these souls that are scattered away, and are no 
 longer under the influence of the gospel, and prayed to God for these 
 dispersed souls, this text of Scripture came into my mind, * Can a wo- 
 man forget the sucking child, that she should noi, have compassion on 
 the son of her womb ? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.' 
 Is there not one Rachel and one Israel to prevail with God in all Scot- 
 land? and I am sure, if Scotland pray for us and for these youths, they 
 will be brought back if it be God's will, for 'the effectual fervent 
 prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' As the new convert, Vis- 
 wanathan, is clinging to Christ, Satan is very busy. Oh, may the Lord 
 keep him! He stood wonderfully the trial, and resisted the devil 
 when he came with his fiery darts, and seems to love the bible, and to 
 grow in the knowledge and love of Christ, and we cast him on your 
 prayers. I and my brothers are all well. We are preparing ourselves 
 for the ministry. May God prepare us, and give us his Holy Spirit 
 that we may be taught'of him. Fray for our perseverance in the faith, 
 and for the redemption of these young ones that are in the camp of the 
 enemy. * Arise for our help, Lord, and redeem us for thy mercy's 
 sake.' ' Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, and the lawful cap- 
 tive delivered?' May Christ keep you, and all that are dear to you, 
 from all Satan's wi es, and pei-fect you by his grace!" 
 
 Of these hopeful young men, Mr. Anderson, the excellent Mission- 
 ary, bus writes: "Venkataramia is in his 21st year — sagacious and 
 judicious. God has been pleased to bless him with the spirit of love, 
 and of power, and of a sound mind." "My John, my tenderest Ra- 
 iahgopaul, is weeping like Rachel, for souls, and refusing to be com- 
 forted because they are not. He is at present away from us, but I feel 
 assured that he will yet return, bringing his sheaves with him." "The 
 spirit of my dear Benjamin, (Etteragooloo) is also bruised, but though 
 cast down, he is not forsaken. His tears over souls perishing, are pre 
 cious in Jesus' sight. He will yet, I doubt not, bring with him his 
 two lost tender ones, Argunum and Govindoo. We feel the 'burden' 
 of souls cut off from our influence, it may be, many of them for ever." 
 
 I have quoted these passages for two reasons. The one is, that they 
 exhibit beautifully the kind of sentiment and of spirit which ought 
 ever to characterize candidates for the holy ministry. The other is, 
 that in calculating on the use of native agency in the work of God, the 
 probabilities are all in favour of such an agency in Colonies more or 
 less enlightened, than in such as are still shrouded in pagan darkness. 
 Indeed, I am inclined to think, that genuine religion will never pros- 
 per so well in the American Colonies, as when they are taught to look 
 to themselves for supplies of pastors and teachers. An occasional im- 
 portation from abroad is, no doubt, highly desirable ; but still, it is 
 much to be wished, that adequate provision should be promptly made 
 for raising up a vigorous and healthful native agency. In the esta- 
 blishment of a Theological seminary for the Colonies, there is nothing 
 to prevent hopeful young men from spending part of the tnue of then- 
 preparatory studies at one of the older and larger institutions of the 
 
55 
 
 mother country. Great advantages may be obtained in this way, and 
 the connexion betwixt the mother country and her daughter will thus 
 be profitably kept up, and applied to great and beneficial ends. 
 
 No. XII. 
 
 Extrac*s from Mr, Esson's Address to the Clergy, on the 
 
 Prospects and Duties of the Church. 
 
 The following passages, from a very able pamphlet lately published 
 at Montreal, by the Rev. Henry Esson, of Gabriel Street Church there, 
 will richly repay an attentive perusal. 
 
 " The course which we regard as the only one which can preserve the 
 peace and unity of the Canadian Church, while it is the only one that 
 is at all consistent with the glory of God and the plainest obligations 
 of conscience, is, at the same time, the safest, the one in which, if we 
 are unanimous, we shall incur the least hazard of the forfeiture of tem- 
 poralities and endowments. We believe, in maintaining the absolute 
 independence of our church, we do no more than assert a right which 
 can be clearly ascertained and demonstrated ; and while we hold that 
 we actually possess this independence, in the most absolute and unlim- 
 ited sense of the term, even our antagonists do not, and cannot deny 
 that practically and substantially we have always enjoyed and exer- 
 cised to the uttermost the rights and liberties of an independent Church. 
 In holding fast, with this independence, faith and a good conscience* 
 in the full and steadfast recognition of the principles of the resolutions 
 to which we have set our seal as a Synod, all that we require is fully 
 absolved; and who dare say that less will satisfy the righteous demands 
 of principle ? Indeed I cannot sufficiently express my astonishment to 
 find some, of whom I would have hoped better things, who will not 
 cannot deny, that they have been silent until the moment, when the 
 Synod was called to encounter peril, for the principles to which they, 
 not less than we, had set their seal, now presuming to inveigh against 
 us, as if we were the troublers of Israel — as if we were men not sinned 
 against but sinning, because we will not now consent to a dishonoura- 
 ble retreat. They contributed to bring the vessel of the Church into 
 the midst of storm and peril, and would have us now concur with them 
 in throwing principle and honour overboard, to save the freight from 
 shipwreck. 
 
 " But we come now to the most important and interesting view in 
 which this question can be contemplated, and one in which, if we can 
 arrive at any clear and well-ascertained conclusion, no room will be 
 left for future hesitation or discussion. Let us inquire what effect the 
 connection proposed will have upon the spiritual interests of the Church 
 —upon her character, progress, and prosperity. And since the spirit- 
 ual interests of the Church cannot long be separated from her external 
 and secular well-being, the argument will be like a two-edged sword, 
 taking hold of those who reason on the ground of expediency, as well 
 as those who look to the higher consideration of principle. In order 
 to prepare the way for a satisfactory determination of this enquiry, I 
 shall premise a few observations on the great requisites which are im- 
 plied in the spiritual prosperity of our Colonial Church. The work 
 of an Evangelist, in this land, it cannot be denied, is one which de- 
 
56 
 
 i 
 
 mands the most exalted qualifications, and endowments of the most de- 
 voted missionary. The minister who fulfils all the quiet and regular 
 routine of pastoral functions and parochial services among a population 
 previously leavened and trained under a faithful ministry, it is easy to 
 understand, may be found altogether unequal to the efficient discharge 
 of labours, and the patient endurance of hardships, privations, and sac- 
 rifices, incident to the Missionary, and which none are capable of en- 
 during but those who, like the apostle, "count all things but loss for 
 the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, who count not their 
 lives dear to them, if so be they may win souls to Christ." The minis- 
 ters of that Church, — which would i)rove an efficient organ for the 
 evangelization of the scattered population of this vast wilderness, where 
 religion will be found, to a lamentable extent, to be half deadened in 
 the case of the fathers and first settlers, and almost extinct in the minds 
 of their children, destitute as the latter are of all education, and both 
 of them shut out from gospel ordinances— ought to have in them the 
 spirit of the most self-denied and devoted missionaries that go out 
 to preach the gospel in heathen lands— ought to combine the fervour 
 of the saint with the heroism of the martyr. 
 
 " We have only to appeal to our familiar knowledge and experience 
 of the comparative success of the various religious denominations in this 
 land, in their several missions, to determine, with all the resistless evi- 
 dence of fact, the truth of this position. The missionaries and evan- 
 gelists who have been crowned with the most signal and uniform suc- 
 cess — who have been most forward in pressing into the depths of the 
 forest, to make the wilderness and its solitary and spiritually destitute 
 inhabitants to be glad for them, have been sent forth, just as miglit 
 have been expected, from the bosom of those sects and churches, whicli 
 are most distinguished by a missionary spirit, such as the Metho- 
 dists, Baptists, Congregationalists. And how is their success to be ac- 
 counted for ? Is it in any measure the fruit of State connection, or of 
 the possession of clergy lands and Church endowments ? No, none of 
 these. I am fully persuaded that nothing has more tended to paralyze 
 the spiritual energies, and to retard the progress of our Church, than 
 the undue stress which I fear has been laid by too many of our clergy- 
 men on those very endowments and emoluments which are derived 
 from clergy lands, or from the bounty of Government. These have 
 operated with a double influence, adverse both to the spiritual and 
 temporal interests of our Church; first, in leading the clergy to look 
 away to these foreign sources of support, when it would have been 
 better in every respect that they had cast more their burden on the 
 Lord, and under him on the people ; and, striving to entrench them- 
 selves in their hearts and affections, had thereby secured far better and 
 nobler resources, more appropriate to the spirit and character of a Chris- 
 tian Church. The same cause has operated to make the people cold 
 and listless ; and in the opinion that their minister, in this enjoyment 
 of State patronage and provision, was made nearly independent of 
 their sympathy and support, they had nothing to quicken their at- 
 tachment to him, or their interest in the cause of the Church at large. 
 The natural and melancholy result has been a prevailing and growing 
 indifference, extremely unpropitious both to its temporal and spir- 
 itual prosperity. However paradoxical it may seem to those who 
 do not reflect, it is certain, that money which has so potent an in- 
 fluence and agency in the concerns and among the votaries of the 
 world, has a very limited power in the service of the Church, and 
 
 : I 
 
57 
 
 m tne furtheTance of its peculiar and most important interests. I 
 have_ no doubt, therefore, that were all otlier sources and means of 
 provision for our Churcli taken away, or dried up, and ihe people cast 
 wholly upon their unaided energies and resources, tlie ertect would be 
 in the first place, to drive away out of the field altogether those whom 
 tlie purity and strength of Cliristian love and missionary zeal did not 
 inspire, but in constraining the people, and the better part of their pas- 
 tors, to throw themselves and the cause of divine truth more entirely 
 upon God, and in quickening, uniting, purifying, and invigorating all 
 the better elements of a church's spiritual life and expaPsivenesI to 
 lay the broad, and deep, and enduring foundations of a growing pros- 
 perity, external and internal. I have no doubt, without intending to 
 depreciate the value and importance of temporal endowments, that the 
 world and its spirit and influence have enervated and deadened in some 
 degree our Church in time past— have weighed down and oppressed 
 her spiritual strength and energies, hindering at once tlieir full devel- 
 opementand free exercise ; and I look forward without any fear or 
 dismay to the prospect of that impending revolution, which threatens 
 our Church in this land, assured that,— should it please Providence to 
 sweep away all other sources of our hope and confidence, save tliose 
 which never fail and never make ashamed— the loss of 'the hundred 
 talents of silver will be more than compensated, if we are thereby led 
 to take faster hold of Him who hath promised to be with his Church 
 always to the end of the world, relying with full assurance of faith on 
 his word, the Lord is able to give thee much more than this.' 
 ^ If we look back to the history of the Parent Church, in those pe- 
 riods when she was most pure and flourishing, we shall find that thev 
 were, without exception, those in which she was cast into the furnace 
 ot adversity and persecution; slie was never more mighty, more tri- 
 umphant in all that constitutes the real power and glory of a Church 
 than when she was deserted by earth, impoverished and oppressed by 
 the principalities and powers of this world, and driven from every other 
 hope and confidence, save those of faith, prayer, and patience, mani- 
 testing their divme power and efficacy, in the abundance of her works 
 and labours of love, and suff-erings and fiery trials, proving and perfect- 
 ing the martyr spirit. If we partake in any measure of this spiri' and 
 would emulate the zeal, energy, and enterprize of those missionary 
 sects whose exertions have been crowned with most signal success in 
 this land, vve will begiu by sympathising with, and seeking the com- 
 munion and co-operation of those religious bodies, from whom we can 
 derive such men as Duff and Wilson, such men as are now reviving 
 Keligion m the waste and desolate places of Scotland's Church, and 
 r-callmg the purest and palmiest days of her past history. What hope 
 IS there for the future if we adhere to the Established Church, desti- 
 tute as she appears to be of the missionary spirit? An exclusive con- 
 nection with her (and exclusive it must be, if it exist at all,) while it 
 could impart no new infusion of spiritual life, vigour, or expansiveness, 
 would, as we have already seen, divide us from the communion of all 
 other evangelical denominations, and would inevitably deprive us of 
 the sympathy and patronage of the Free Church, without which, iudjr- 
 ing of the future by the past, we should be like a stream cut off from 
 the fountain, a branch lopped from its parent tree. For it cannot be 
 denieu, that to tins section of the Churcli, we owe nearly all that we 
 now are— all that we have won in this land; thev planted, watered, 
 and nour)«':';d us, and taking us up, when we were helpless and ne- 
 
 I 
 
 H 
 
58 
 
 glected — have watched over us with paternal and fostering care, and 
 have reared us up to the magnitude and maturity of a National 
 Cliurch. Our best missionaries and ministers have come forth from 
 them, and if there be too much of the elements of Erastianism, I fear 
 that they have been derived from the nether spring of that luke-warm 
 Laodicean party from which they have separated, and with which 
 some amongst us are blindly and perversely seeking an exclusive con- 
 nection, which would cut us off from all communication with the up- 
 per spring of the evangelical and missionary portion of the Church of 
 our Fathers. If we separate our cause from that of the Free Church, 
 we take away our vital influence and commit a suicidal act. The day 
 that we conclude our union with the Establishment, will sound our 
 death knell. It is almost certain, that the Church in this land without 
 any sufficient spring, internal or external, of renovation and expansion, 
 would soon witlier and die— lingering and languishing through a few 
 years of decline ; she might live on dyingly, through the present gen- 
 eration, when her place would know her no more for ever. _ The Free 
 Church, and Protestants of other Evangelical denominations would 
 grow by her decrease, would strengthen by her decay, until they filled 
 the whole sphere which she now occupies; 'The House of David wax- 
 ing stronger and stronger,' and ' the house of Saul weaker and weaker.' 
 The following facts prove how vain is any hope of spiritual benefit 
 from such connection. Not fewer than forty clergymen were with- 
 drawn from the Presbyterian Church of England to supply the vacant 
 julpits of Scotland after the disruption. All the Colonial Chui'ches 
 lave been robbed or relieved of ministers, who have returned to Scot- 
 and, allured by the prospect of livings within the Establishment. 
 Three have already been withdrawn from the single district of Mon- 
 treal, and long, long may their deserted flocks look to the Church which 
 has taken from them what she never gave, to replace the loss. For 
 she has not one missionary, at this moment, either among Jews or 
 Gentiles. Tell us not that this is no indication ol' her spiritual condi- 
 tion. She has buildings, funds, every thing in hci- hands, at the pre- 
 sent moment, but men. She only lacks the spirit, the quickening 
 spirit. The very mould and leaven of which missionaries are formed 
 seem wanting to her ; for with all the wealth of an Establishment, and 
 the patronage of the State, she cannot, after a whole year's suspension 
 of her missions — a whole year's search — find one man to take up one of 
 those posts which have, for conscience sake, been relinquished by those 
 who renounced, with tbe Connection, all their temporal provision, all 
 their worldly prospects." 
 
 No. XIII. 
 
 List of the Ministers and Elders in the Synod of Canada, 
 who voted on the 6th July, for and against the mainten' 
 ance of Union with the Erastian Establishment of Scot- 
 land. 6 
 
 For Dr. Cook's Motmi, maintaining the Connection. 
 
 Ministers — John Clut^ston. John Cook, D. D., John MacMorine, J. 
 Cruikshank, A.M., John Smith, George Romanes, A. M., William 
 Bell, Jos. Anderson, A. M., Alex .Mann, A.M., Alex. M'Kidd, George 
 Bell, John Macliar, A. M., Robert Neill, Thos. Liddel, D. Q., P. C. 
 
59 
 
 Campbell, A. M., Andrew Bell, Peter Ferguson, James George, P. 
 M'Naughton, A.M., John Tawse, A.M., James Lambie, A.M., John 
 M'Murchy, John Barclay, A. M., A. Mathieson, D. 1>,, Edward Black, 
 D. D., William Mair, Walter Roach, James ^. Muir, John Marlin, 
 Emile La^elletrie, John M'Kenzie, A.M., H. Urquhart, A. M. John 
 M'Laurin, Isaac Purkis, T. M'Pherson, A. M., Donald Sinclair, Robt. 
 Macgill, Alexander Ross, Thomas Scott. — 39. 
 
 Elders — John Thomson, William Rutheifurd, Honourable Thomas 
 Mackay, Archibald Petrie, John Mowat, Robert Cleugh, George Mil- 
 ler, Donald Cameron, James Daniels, Archibald M'Fadyen, Honour- 
 able J. Macgillivray, Honourable Justice M'Lean, Alexander M'Mar- 
 tin, John Macpheraon, George Dawson, Dr. William Craigie, John 
 Robson.— 17. 
 
 For Mr. Bayn^s Motion^ to do away with the Connection. 
 
 Ministers — John M. Roger, A. M., T. Alexander, A. M., Henry 
 Gordon, William Reid, A. M., James Douglas, Alex. M'Lean, William 
 Rintoul, A. M., Henry Esson, A. M., David Black, Alex. Gale, A. M., 
 Donald M'Kenzie, John Bayne, Angus M'Intosh, Daniel Allan, Duncan 
 M'Millan, William Meldrum, George Cheyne, Robert Lindsay, George 
 Sraellie, Robert Peden. — 20. 
 
 Elders — John Rutherford, Ralph Smith, Robert Thomson, Andrew 
 Milne, Alex. Lindsay, Wm. Lister, Robert Turnbull, Francis Ander- 
 son, Isaac Wylie, George Davidson, Wm. Clark, James F. Westland, 
 James Webster, John Mathieson, Allan Henderson, Peter Drummond, 
 Donald Fraser, P. M'Naughton, James Noble, John Burns. — 20. 
 
 The Moderator could not, by the rule of the Court, vote, cr he would 
 have done so for Mr. Bayne's Resolutions. In addition to these, 
 Messrs. James Rogers and M'Allister, ministers, who attended the Sy- 
 nod, were unable to be present from sickness, but signified their adher- 
 ence to the protest. There are besides, Messrs. Boyd and Smart, who 
 have joined, and Messrs. Wightman and Ketchan, who are expected 
 to join the " Presbyterian Church of Canada" immediately, — thus 
 making the number of seceding ministers already ascertained, 27. 
 
 Mr. Bayne protested against the decision, for reasons to be given in 
 next day, and took instruments, the other members of the minority 
 adhering. 
 
 On Wednesday morning the majority of the Synod met apart, and 
 after much discussion resolved not to proceed to business, but to ad- 
 journ till the third Wednesday of September, — the Meeting to beheld 
 at Montreal. The Free Church minority met also for the purpose of 
 drawing up reasor^ of protest, which were engrossed on parchment. 
 At seven o'clock the whole body proceeded to the church, headed by 
 the Moderator, and presented their reasons of protest. Mr. Starke had 
 previously resigned his office of Moderator, and the chair was filled by 
 Dr. Cook. Mr. Rintoul after reading the protest, resigned his clerk- 
 ship. The minority then left the house, and proceeded to Rev. Mr. 
 Ridley's ( Weskyan) Church, where they organized themselves under 
 the title of 
 
 " The Presbyterian Church of Canada." 
 
 I 
 
60 
 
 No XIV. 
 
 Synod of Nova Scotia, 
 Extract of a letter, dated Pictou, J 2th Julv, 1044. "There are ]9 
 ministers for the Free Church, and 8 still clinging to the Establish- 
 ment. May the Lord himself cause some of our brethren in Scotland 
 to come to our help. Oh, be earnest in prayer to God, that we may be 
 soori supplied with eaniest and devoted men ; that our destitute vine- 
 yard may be watered and refreshed." 
 
 No. XV. 
 State of Cape Breton. 
 It may be proper to remind the Free Church of Scotland that, not- 
 withstanding the zealous and successful efforts which have been made 
 during the last fifteen years in behalf of this Island, there are large 
 sett ements entirely Scottish and Presbyterian, where the laboui-s of a 
 settled pastor have hitherto been unknown, or which are at present 
 destitute of a pastor. For instance : there are three localities, the Gut 
 ot Canso, River Inhabitants, and River Denny, comprising altoeether 
 a population of 199 families, and 1250 souls-forming together, I suit- 
 able charge for one laborious and active minister. There are Wvco- 
 cokama and Meligowatch, lately under the charge of Mr. Patrick 
 Maclean, now ot the Island of Mull ; embracing together 341 families, 
 and 2197 souls; vvith three places of worship, capable of holding from 
 t^^ onn ^^"^ ^^T! ^'^ peat and little ifedeque, with 51 families, 
 and 300 souls; and two churches. There is the north point of the 
 Island, with about sixty families, where no minister has ever been set- 
 t ed, and where the frame of a church only has been reared. There is 
 the rear settlement on the north-west arm of Sydney Bay, comprising 
 40 famihes, aU Gaehc There are Myra and Gaberoose Lake, a larg? 
 set lement of 223 families, and 1280 souls, who never had a ministe?- 
 ?ao f °V,?"«"« .to this, IS another large settlement, Catalse and Co-Bav 
 198 families, with 1198 souls. One minister might take charge of tfie 
 three settlements and there are a]ready three places of worship reared, 
 though not seated. 1 here is the Grand River and Lakes, 1200 souls 
 where no minister was ever settled; and at Areshat there are 50 Pres^ 
 JfflTT T tl' ^Other settlements might be noticed, but these may 
 suffice to shew the destitution. The Gaelic language would be needed 
 tor all these settlements, as well as for the greater part of Prince Ed- 
 ward island. 
 
 It is worthy of notice, that the only Normal School for ordinary 
 training m ^ova Scotia, is in this island of Cape Breton. The teach- 
 er, Mr. Munro has sent out a number of excellent young teachers. 
 Mr. Lauchlan M'Donald, also at St. George's Channel, has been for 
 several years a most useful instructor of youth; and as a female teach- 
 er. Miss Gordon has been very successful. 
 
 f.f ^? that has been done for the evangelizing of this Island by minis- 
 teiynd schools, is the result of the persevering efforts of a pious lady 
 ui Edinburgh; and her success, while it must be very pleasing to her 
 own mind, presents an encouraging example to others. It is Christian 
 education which is to raise the British Colonies to eminence, and the 
 J^iee Church of Scotland is now loudlv mllpri ^t, +„ iinini-+ to *1- 
 boon so valuable. "'' ■"■ ^ ""^ ''''' ^^ '^' 
 
 JLCIII U 
 
 ALEX. UAltUNJilt, rUlNTEK.